Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:-
“Sinn Fein’s bluster on RHI will prove only that without commitment to a full public inquiry. Anything less provides a soft landing for its DUP partner, which, I suspect, is Sinn Fein’s real intent. As yet unseen concessions have probably been extracted, or are being negotiated, as the price of blocking a proper public inquiry.
“No matter how it is dressed up a mere “investigation” will be a vehicle for cover-up and whitewash. Only a public inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005 would have the essential powers to compel witnesses and the production of documents. An “investigation” would be held behind closed doors and be a toothless tool for the powers that be – a bit reminiscent of the farcical “investigation” Peter Robinson had conducted into his difficulties, which was never published, but resulted in him self-proclaiming vindication.
“The Attorney General has no powers to activate an inquiry under the Inquiries Act – only ministers have that power – so, anything he established would not have compelability powers.”