Sinn Féin : DUP use of Petition of Concern in Speaker debate insulting - Murphy

16 January, 2017 - by Conor Murphy

Sinn Féin MLA Conor Murphy has said it is insulting that the DUP are using the Petition of Concern to frustrate a debate on the actions of DUP Speaker Robin Newtown.

Mr Murphy said;

'The RHI scandal and the DUP's handling of it has been marked by arrogance and contempt for the political institutions and the general public.

'They have tried to absolve DUP members and ministers from any responsibility for this scandal. It has been more about protecting the reputation of ministers not about transparency and accountability.

'Today the DUP have invoked the Petition of Concern to protect the DUP Speaker.

'It is clear that the Speaker has lost the confidence of the majority of MLAs.

'The Petition of Concern was brought in to protect the rights of minorities.

'It is insulting that the DUP are using the Petition of Concern to cover the back of one of their own the Speaker.

'The DUP's decision to use the POC today to frustrate a debate on the Speaker is final proof, if proof were needed, that the DUP are corrupting the institutions in their own interests and against the wishes of the general public.'