Michael Copeland MLA has welcomed the successful passage of Jim Allister’s Private Members Bill on the appointment of Special Advisors at its second stage.

The Ulster Unionist said:

“The Private Members Bill brought forward by Jim Allister MLA on the appointment of Special Advisors has the potential to be a very important piece of legislation.  The appointment of Mary McArdle by Sinn Fein as a Special Advisor to an Executive Minister proved to be one which caused great controversy and hurt to victims in Northern Ireland, especially the Travers family.’

“The appointment of a Special Advisor sees an individual employed at a very senior level within the Senior Civil Service outside of the usual processes and out with the principle of merit. This means it is vital that the public and victims are given a degree of protection as to who can be appointed to these posts.’

“The wording of Mr Allister’s Private Members Bill ensures that no one who has been convicted of a crime that carries a minimum sentence of five years can be appointed to such a sensitive position.  I and my Party believe that this will go some way to restoring public confidence in this appointments process, something which had taken a huge blow following Sinn Fein’s decision to appoint a convicted murderer to the role.’

“I was baffled by the Alliance Party’s insistence during the debate that this should have been a matter for the Executive.  Should this issue have gone straight to the Executive, it would certainly have been vetoed by the party that it most directly affects – Sinn Fein.  It is imperative that this issue be brought forward as a Private Members Bill to ensure that all Parties and key stakeholders have a chance to have their say on this very important issue.’