Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister:-
“The unorthodox and questionable manner in which the former Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson, handled the nomination of his friend, Frank Cushnahan, and others, for service on the NI NAMA Advisory Committee is confirmed in an Assembly Answer from the current Finance Minister.
“I had asked about the due diligence process followed in making these nominations. It is clear from the Answer there was no due diligence exercised.
“There was no case made out for these nominations, or routine checks as to suitability. Instead, it seems, the DUP minister prioritised the promotion of his friend above everything, including due process. Little wonder it ended it tears.
“Following the Republic’s Audit Committee report and suggestions that political influence was at play from Northern Ireland in respect of NAMA’s affairs and the confirmation in this Answer of no due diligence, it is clear much remains to be investigated over NAMA. I will, therefore, again raise these issues at this afternoon’s Finance Committee, though the obvious non-aggression pact between Sinn Fein and the DUP may see these parties unite to block any further inquiry.”
Q & A:
Q: To ask the Minister of Finance to outline the due diligence conducted by the Department of Finance and Personnel before Frank Cushnahan, Richard Pengelly and Neil Adair were proposed as suitable representatives for Northern Ireland on the National Asset Management Agency Northern Ireland Advisory Committee.
A: Senior officials in my Department have previously confirmed in evidence provided to the Committee for Finance & Personnel in the last Assembly mandate that there is no record of advice either being sought by, or provided to then Minister Wilson in relation to his nominations to the NAMA Advisory Committee.
My officials have also indicated to me that they are not aware of the basis for those nominations, how they were arrived at, or any due diligence conducted.