Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:-
“Far from being “devoid of logic and fact”, as bombastically claimed by Ian Paisley at the time these allegations surfaced, it turns out Mr Paisley’s actions in respect of funded trips to Sri Lanka involved serious and shameful breaches of Parliament’s Code of Conduct, the most damming breach being that of engaging in paid advocacy on behalf of a foreign government.
“It is good that he has been held to account but in bringing this shame on himself he has not only let himself down but left North Antrim with no voice and vote in Parliament at this critical time for Brexit. If any key vote on Brexit is lost because of Ian Paisley’s antics, then, that will be his shameful legacy for all time.
“He and his family, having benefitted so lavishly from this foreign government hospitality, could, of course, show genuine remorse by refunding the value of the holidays to the Sri Lankan government. But will he? If not, then 30 days suspension versus tens of thousands of benefit may be deemed worth it by someone of a brazen disposition.
“It now falls to the DUP, having said it would await the outcome of this investigation, to demonstrate where it stands on such disreputable actions by one of its MPs.”