Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister:-
“Today a 3 day gagging order was placed on me by the Sinn Fein Speaker, after I sought yesterday to challenge the disgraceful refusal by the Assembly Commission, through the exercise of a Sinn Fein veto, to permit a centenary stone to be placed within the curtilage of Parliament Buildings.
“Mr Speaker further relied on an alleged “interruption” by me of Ms Bradshaw when she was speaking on 8 March 2021. What was described as an “interruption” was in fact a wholly unintentional distraction for Ms Bradshaw, arising from me conducting a conversation – obviously too loudly – with Mr Buckley while seated behind her. There was no challenge or heckling or anything else directed at Ms Bradshaw, but as became clear she found the conversation distracting and I readily apologised for same.
“I am therefore surprised to find this incident relied upon, though only in part, in justifying the penalty imposed on me. I cannot think of any member ever being disciplined for conducting a conversation too loudly – rebuked yes, but not disciplined.
“Yesterday in the debate on flags and emblems we witnessed some of the most bellicose and ill-tempered speeches I have heard from Sinn Fein MLAs, Anderson, Sheerin and Sheehan, but no repercussions!
“On behalf of my constituents I seek to make my points with vigour and clarity. While the Speaker’s ruling is mandatory, I regret that my constituents are to be punished in this way, but assure them that while I might be silenced for three days in the chamber, their voice and opinions will be heard.”