Ulster Unionist Justice spokesperson Tom Elliott MLA, has disputed claims by the Alliance Party’s Stewart Dickson that he was the sole MLA to raise concerns over the involvement of the Attorney General in any Inquiry into the Marie Stopes Centre.
Tom said:
“I was baffled to read Stewart Dickson’s attempts to paint himself as a lone ranger and that he raised objections to the involvement of the Attorney General in any Inquiry into the Marie Stopes Centre.’
“The Justice Committee has not accepted an offer by the Attorney General as outlined in his letter, rather it voted in favour of accepting assistance from him; however the nature of this assistance is still to be determined.’
“For all of Mr Dickson’s bluster he not only voted in favour of accepting the Attorney General’s assistance, but also said that he “accepted that it was appropriate” for John Larkin to come and speak to the Justice Committee.’
"In fact, no objections were raised at the Justice Committee by Mr Dickson about the involvement of the Attorney General.’
“The Party leader has outlined our specific concerns about the role of the Attorney General. The view of the Ulster Unionist Party is that we would certainly be opposed to an attempt by the Attorney General to take control of a Committee Inquiry.’