David Ford has said that the Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland should stand aside during any such inquiry. His comments follow a special sitting of the Assembly to discuss these allegations.
David Ford MLA said: “Today, the DUP have decided against restoring integrity in the political process following the serious questions raised by the Spotlight investigation. This was an opportunity for the Assembly to unite behind a call to investigate these allegations in order to restore confidence, instead the DUP choose to block this motion.
“These are such serious allegations, that my colleague Naomi Long has written to the Secretary of State, asking her to set up an independent inquiry. We believe that a truly independent inquiry is required to investigate the serious questions raised by the Spotlight programme.
“If similar allegations were made against myself as the Minister of Justice, I would stand aside while there was a proper investigation of any such claim. It is in the best interests of Nelson McCausland for him to stand aside while these serious allegations are investigated.”
ENDS