Statement by TUV Comber councillor Stephen Cooper:
“The test of today’s Hallett report is whether it lives up to what co-First Minister Peter Robinson demanded after their exposure before the European and Council elections.
“Mr. Robinson backtracked on his threat to resign supposedly because he got what he demanded, so let’s recall exactly what Mr Robinson asked for.
“On 26th February he demanded:
“A full judicial inquiry into all of these matters so we can see who knew, when they knew and what they knew. Those are vital questions to be asked and answered. I want to know who the 187 people are that received these letters – if indeed it is only 187 people because I wouldn’t believe anything I hear any longer. I want to know who they are, what crimes they were believed to have committed because don’t forget justice isn’t just about whether the police at that moment in time have sufficient evidence to make a prosecution stick because as time goes on forensics may change, new evidence may come in where a prosecution could take place so it is absolutely vital that nobody is allowed to think they can get away with it. That’s why I want all the letters rescinded.”
“Now the report is published, yet we still don’t know the names of the beneficiaries.
“We still don’t know what crimes they are believed to have committed.
“The letters still haven’t been rescinded.
“Given that the report has failed to deliver the key outcomes outlined not by TUV but by Mr Robinson will he now do as he said and resign?
“Or, alternatively will he go on the run from his promise?
“Sadly I suspect it will be the latter.”