Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“Today’s comments by outgoing co-First Minister Foster about support for a public inquiry is electioneering pure and simple.
“Both the DUP and their partners Sinn Fein resisted calls for a Public Inquiry. Only now, in the face of an election, has Mrs Foster performed this U-turn.
“Consider the facts. On the 18th December when asked by the News Letter if the DUP would support a public inquiry a DUP spokesperson responded by dodging the question and saying they wanted “an independent investigation”.
“On the 19th December Edwin Poots was emphatic on the issue in the Assembly saying:
“Get the message in relation to the reviews of this: there will not be a public inquiry”.
“And just last week DUP members of Belfast City Council voted against a public inquiry.
“Why the change? Because the DUP want to claim to the public in the upcoming election that they supported an inquiry.
“Such a cynical exercise will only serve to compound the growing contempt for the DUP and their arrogance in the minds of the general public.
“You cannot oppose a public inquiry – going so far as to positively rule one out – and then,when you realise the depth of public anger, turn round and claim you want one!
“The public will soon have their chance to have their say at the ballot box. It is a sign of the panic which has gripped the DUP about that fact that they made today’s announcement.”