Ulster Unionist Party leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA has opposed a move by the First and deputy First Ministers to invite extra members of the OFMdFM Committee to St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Washington DC.
The OFMdFM Committee Chair said:
“Traditionally Ministers in the Executive are invited to Washington for the St Patrick’s Day celebrations, along with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the OFMdFM Committee. This year the invitation was extended to include a committee representative from Sinn Fein, DUP and SDLP.’
“I cannot see any way the Committee can justify the cost of sending extra members on this trip. Given the huge financial difficulties many people are facing during these times of austerity, I don’t believe that what the public want to see is more money from the public purse being spent on a trip to the USA.’
“The Committee decided to allow each Party to decide whether they would send a member on the trip or not, a decision which I opposed. If any other Party decides to send a representative and therefore increases the number of OFMdFM Committee Members travelling beyond two people, I will stand down from the trip in protest.’