·         Sinn Fein turn on their heels on Inquiries Act

·         Many questions left unanswered in announcement  

Following an announcement that the Finance Minister has triggered an inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005, Ulster Unionist Finance spokesperson Philip Smith MLA said:

“What on earth is Sinn Fein’s game here?  One minute they are producing their own Terms of Reference for an independent inquiry.   Then they are lambasting others for suggesting the Inquiries Act be used.  Earlier today Declan Kearney was insisting they would not trigger an inquiry.    Yet this afternoon they have totally turned on their heels.

“We are now left with more questions than answers.  We need to know the Terms of Reference.  Will the Lord Chief Justice be asked to recommend a judge to lead?   Will it be a panel of one?  Will Máirtín Ó Muilleoir give a cast iron guarantee not to suspend or fold under powers in section 13 of the Act?   And finally, will there be an interim report as promised in Sinn Fein’s original Terms of Reference?"

Sinn Fein public inquiry announcement leaves more questions – Smith

·         Sinn Fein turn on their heels on Inquiries Act

·         Many questions left unanswered in announcement  

Following an announcement that the Finance Minister has triggered an inquiry under the Inquiries Act 2005, Ulster Unionist Finance spokesperson Philip Smith MLA said:

“What on earth is Sinn Fein’s game here?  One minute they are producing their own Terms of Reference for an independent inquiry.   Then they are lambasting others for suggesting the Inquiries Act be used.  Earlier today Declan Kearney was insisting they would not trigger an inquiry.    Yet this afternoon they have totally turned on their heels.

“We are now left with more questions than answers.  We need to know the Terms of Reference.  Will the Lord Chief Justice be asked to recommend a judge to lead?   Will it be a panel of one?  Will Máirtín Ó Muilleoir give a cast iron guarantee not to suspend or fold under powers in section 13 of the Act?   And finally, will there be an interim report as promised in Sinn Fein’s original Terms of Reference?"