Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:-
“Once more the North Antrim MP is in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
“Following the Sri Lankan scandal, fresh allegations from the compelling Spotlight programme about a luxury family holiday in the Maldives, paid for by a third party, and the non-declaration of same to the Commons authorities, reopens serious questions about Mr Paisley’s judgement.
“The circumstantial case raised by Spotlight is very persuasive and whereas he is entitled to more than ‘trial by media’, Mr Paisley now should refer himself to the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner, so that a considered verdict can be delivered.
“There are major issues here for the DUP, as well. Surely, before lifting his last suspension the DUP asked him if there had been any other luxury holidays. If he did not reveal the Maldives trip, then, that is likely to worsen his party position. If he did reveal it and the party swept it under the carpet, then, that raises serious issues for them.
“The political damage of this for Unionism concerns me far more than the fate of Ian Paisley. As a Unionist I am embarrassed that behaviour within government and by personalities within the biggest party, the DUP, has brought unionism in general into ridicule and disrepute. The fact that IRA/Sinn Fein, with its odious history, can now lecture us all on the standards required in public life, because of RHI and Mr Paisley’s antics, is a sorry commentary on how low this self-inflicted behaviour is bringing us.”