Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“Today’s evidence from Dr Andrew McCormick should concern everyone in Northern Ireland. His evidence was delivered in a calm, matter of fact fashion but was nonetheless explosive.
“Dr McCormick stated that when officials had spotted the disastrous flaw in the RHI scheme and wanted to rectify the situation he believes Arlene Foster’s SpAd in the Department of Finance, Andrew Crawford, pressed successfully to keep the scheme open. This allowed the spike to take place.
“Dr McCormick’s suggestion that information from inside the department contributed to the spike is particularly concerning.
“It is obvious that senior figures in the DUP – not least the leader Arlene Foster – have major questions to answer.
“The continual drip of revelations about RHI have disgusted the people of Northern Ireland and rocked confidence in the DUP and devolution.
“It is now more clear than ever that we need to have a full public inquiry into this whole affair.”