Sinn Féin Backs Campaign To Oust Paisley

Sinn Féin MLAs and MPs from across Northern Ireland have come together to back the recall petition campaign in Ballymena to oust disgraced North Antrim MP Ian Paisley from office.

The petition is set to close on 19 September. North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan said there is anger right across the political spectrum at the behaviour of the DUP MP.

Mr McGuigan said: "Having spoken to people at doors over recent weeks, it's clear that there is a huge deal of anger right across the public and political spectrum at the behaviour of disgraced MP Ian Paisley.

"The core issue at the heart of this scandal is that Ian Paisley lobbied to prevent the UN investigating gross human rights abuses and mass murder of Tamil civilians by the Sri Lankan regime, after receiving two lavish family holidays paid for by the same government.

"The electorate of North Antrim are no strangers to DUP linked scandals and sleaze, this is yet another display of the DUP's lack of integrity in public office.

"You have the opportunity to make change. By signing the recall petition, you can register your objection to this scandal by forcing Ian Paisley to once again seek public support through a by-election.

"Last year, Sinn Féin stood for election on a platform of equality, rights and integrity in government. Tomorrow, I will be joined by Sinn Féin MLAs and MPs from across the north in Ballymena to remove the MP Ian Paisley from office."

(MH/CM)