Responding to comments by SDLP East Londonderry MLA John Dallat on the police investigation into the flying of a tricolour from Stormont TUV leader Jim Allister said:
“This is the same Mr Dallat who, just a few years ago, complained bitterly about Translink flying the Union Flag on designated days a few years ago – an action which was perfectly legal. Now he complains that the PSNI are investigating a legitimate complaint about the improper display of foreign flags on Stormont.
“There will be many in East Londonderry and further afield who will find the idea of Mr Dallat issuing a statement complaining about people making too much of indent of “a little mischief making” with flags deeply ironic given his own track record.
“The PSNI have a duty to investigate this incident and it is quite proper that precautions are being put in place to prevent a repetition of the incident.
“Sadly it seems that the Assembly Commission are quite prepared to take a similar approach to Mr Dallat. My attempt to raise the issue on the floor of the Assembly today was rejected by the Speaker. Once again we have evidence of Stormont’s remarkable ability to see issues discussed in the press and among the public and yet ignore them in the Assembly chamber.
“It is clear that there is a desire to minimise this incident and sweep it under the carpet.
“The claim that they have to suspend the Assembly investigation because of the police investigation is nonsense. This is illustrated by the fact that following BBC Spotlight’s expose of the expenses scandal two investigations were launched by the PSNI which remain ongoing. This did not prevent the Assembly Commission investigating the allegations independently.”