Ulster Unionist Leader Mike Nesbitt has said that the refusal of Máirtín Ó Muilleoir to step aside as Finance Minister until last week’s revelations about the coaching a witness can be properly and fully investigated, will serve to damage public confidence in the devolved institutions.
The Leader of the Opposition said:
“It is disappointing that Máirtín Ó Muilleoir has refused to step aside pending an investigation into events surrounding the alleged coaching of a witness who appeared before the Finance Committee of which he was then a member.
“He had the opportunity to do his bit to help restore public confidence. In a straight choice between the greater good and self-interest, he answered, ‘me, me, me!’
“There are various precedents for Executive Ministers – including previous First Ministers - standing down, with one of the clearest examples being Peter Robinson who stepped down in January 2010 in the wake of what became known as ‘Irisgate’ whilst an investigation took place.
“There are certainly plenty of backbench Sinn Fein MLAs – some with previous Ministerial experience - who could step into the breach. I urge Máirtín Ó Muilleoir and Sinn Fein to reconsider.”