Menu
02/11/2020
DUP Call For 'Explanation' On Resignation Of SF Official
The DUP in Upper Bann have called for an explanation from Sinn Féin MLA John O'Dowd on the resignation of a senior Upper Bann Sinn Fein official.
The resignation came amidst the Sinn Fein Covid cash scandal where £30,000 in support payments had been received almost seven months ago but only paid back to the public purse this week.
Calling on Mr O'Dowd for an "explanation", Upper Bann DUP MP Carla Lockhart said: "Across Upper Bann small businesses are in the fight of their life for survival through this pandemic. They are disgusted that £30k, meant to support struggling businesses, was resting, in error, in bank accounts connected to SF for almost seven months.
"There has been drip feed of information from Sinn Fein about the matter as the media stepped closer and closer to the facts.
Sinn Fein's frugal approach to transparency and disrespect for the taxpayer has been exposed. Yet while the public has many questions, Sinn Fein is bunkered in their solicitor's office sending out legal letters to the media like Christmas cards.
"The social media graphics, banners and posters about honesty, integrity, respect seem to have been about little more than political opportunism.
"A very senior Sinn Fein official in my constituency has been the sacrificial lamb yet the most senior media spokesman and one-time leadership contender John O'Dowd, has been strangely silent in the last 72hours.
"We know John has aspirations of leadership, so here is a chance for him to show leadership. He should step up and address the questions that the people of Upper Bann demand answers to. In particular, who knew about the money and when did they know?
Will he step up in a spirit of openness, integrity and respect? We will wait and see."
The resignation came amidst the Sinn Fein Covid cash scandal where £30,000 in support payments had been received almost seven months ago but only paid back to the public purse this week.
Calling on Mr O'Dowd for an "explanation", Upper Bann DUP MP Carla Lockhart said: "Across Upper Bann small businesses are in the fight of their life for survival through this pandemic. They are disgusted that £30k, meant to support struggling businesses, was resting, in error, in bank accounts connected to SF for almost seven months.
"There has been drip feed of information from Sinn Fein about the matter as the media stepped closer and closer to the facts.
Sinn Fein's frugal approach to transparency and disrespect for the taxpayer has been exposed. Yet while the public has many questions, Sinn Fein is bunkered in their solicitor's office sending out legal letters to the media like Christmas cards.
"The social media graphics, banners and posters about honesty, integrity, respect seem to have been about little more than political opportunism.
"A very senior Sinn Fein official in my constituency has been the sacrificial lamb yet the most senior media spokesman and one-time leadership contender John O'Dowd, has been strangely silent in the last 72hours.
"We know John has aspirations of leadership, so here is a chance for him to show leadership. He should step up and address the questions that the people of Upper Bann demand answers to. In particular, who knew about the money and when did they know?
Will he step up in a spirit of openness, integrity and respect? We will wait and see."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 June 2015
UUP Expresses 'Deep Sadness' Over Death Of John Hanna
The Ulster Unionist Party has expressed deep sadness after its former Councillor, John Hanna, was killed in a collision in Co Antrim on Monday. Mr Hanna, 66, was killed in a crash on the Ballinlea Road in Ballintoy at around 3.45pm.
UUP Expresses 'Deep Sadness' Over Death Of John Hanna
The Ulster Unionist Party has expressed deep sadness after its former Councillor, John Hanna, was killed in a collision in Co Antrim on Monday. Mr Hanna, 66, was killed in a crash on the Ballinlea Road in Ballintoy at around 3.45pm.
10 February 2005
SF members sanctioned robbery – IMC report
The International Monitoring Commission (IMC) has said the IRA was behind last December’s Northern Bank robbery and that senior members of Sinn Fein had sanctioned the raid. In it’s fourth report, specially published as a result of the £26.
SF members sanctioned robbery – IMC report
The International Monitoring Commission (IMC) has said the IRA was behind last December’s Northern Bank robbery and that senior members of Sinn Fein had sanctioned the raid. In it’s fourth report, specially published as a result of the £26.
05 May 2021
L'Derry Sinn Fein MLAs Will Not Stand For Party At Next Assembly Election
Sinn Fein MLAs Martina Anderson and Karen Mullan will not stand for the party at the next assembly election. The decision was made after a party review revealed election disappointments in L'Derry.
L'Derry Sinn Fein MLAs Will Not Stand For Party At Next Assembly Election
Sinn Fein MLAs Martina Anderson and Karen Mullan will not stand for the party at the next assembly election. The decision was made after a party review revealed election disappointments in L'Derry.
14 December 2010
Adams Selected For Louth 'Under Cloud'
The Sinn Féin President has been successfully selected to run for the party in Co Louth during the next election, but under a cloud of controversy.
Adams Selected For Louth 'Under Cloud'
The Sinn Féin President has been successfully selected to run for the party in Co Louth during the next election, but under a cloud of controversy.
06 September 2007
Former Sinn Fein MLA Dies
Former Sinn Fein member and paramilitary activist John Kelly has died. Mr Kelly, who was a provisional IRA activist, spent 15 years behind bars in both Northern and Southern Ireland. He was a co-defendant in the alleged arms smuggling trial that collapsed with Charles Haughey, who later became Taoiseach.
Former Sinn Fein MLA Dies
Former Sinn Fein member and paramilitary activist John Kelly has died. Mr Kelly, who was a provisional IRA activist, spent 15 years behind bars in both Northern and Southern Ireland. He was a co-defendant in the alleged arms smuggling trial that collapsed with Charles Haughey, who later became Taoiseach.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
