Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Robin Swann MLA said:
“As I stated last week public confidence in politics has collapsed and there is clearly no appetite for a by-election in North Antrim. I respect that outcome. However I would caution Ian Paisley not to see this as some sort of victory or endorsement of his actions in acting as a paid advocate for a foreign government and bringing North Antrim and the House of Commons into disrepute.
“Rather I would urge him to use the time that he has been suspended from Parliament and the DUP, to reflect on the severity of what he has done and the embarrassment he has brought on Northern Ireland. He should demonstrate some humility. He`s the first Member of Parliament to be suspended from Westminster under the new rules, which is nothing to be proud of, and he has received the longest suspension since 1949.Trust in politics is at an all-time low and Mr Paisley`s actions and that of his party have played a major role in that.”