· DUP misogyny claims are deflection
· Valid questions being asked of the First Minister
Jenny Palmer, Ulster Unionist MLA for Lagan Valley, said:
“It’s no surprise that the DUP are clearly desperate to deflect from the biggest financial scandal in Northern Ireland’s history. It is a mark of their arrogance that they seem totally indignant that anyone would question their role in the waste of over £400m of public money.
“I know exactly what it is like to be the victim of personal attacks for daring to stick your head above the parapet. That is not the same as being held accountable for your actions. Where was Arlene Foster whenever I was being harangued by Sammy Wilson and Stephen Brimstone was telling me that the party comes first? Her silence was deafening. Arlene Foster can continue to scramble around and point the finger at everyone else, but that will not deflect from the fact that her fingerprints are all over the RHI debacle.
“This is just the latest ham fisted attempt by the First Minister to reshape the debate and pivot away from the valid questions being asked of her. The party may come first for the DUP, but the people of Northern Ireland deserve answers. The integrity of the institutions should take precedence over clinging on to power.”