Menu
17/01/2017
RHI Scandal: DUP Rejects Claims Made By Jonathan Bell
Former DUP MLA Jonathan Bell claims he was prevented from challenging the botched Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme because two special advisers have "extensive interest" in the poultry industry.
Mr Bell was speaking in the Assembly on Monday, 16 January. He was recently suspended by the DUP for speaking to the media about the RHI scheme.
His claims were made under parliamentary privilege.
Mr Bell said: "The very first piece of information given to me in a ministerial office, by DUP party officer appointed special adviser Timothy Cairns, was that you will not be allowed to reduce the tariff on this scheme because Timothy Johnston, special adviser to the then First Minister, and John Robinson, at that time director of communications to the DUP and now the special adviser to the economy minister, had such extensive interests in the poultry industry."
The DUP has rejected the claims and described them as "outrageous".
A DUP statement said: "Following unsubstantiated allegations made by Jonathan Bell in the Assembly chamber under the cover of privilege, we wish to point out that:
"1. Timothy Johnston has no interests whatsoever in the poultry industry and does not benefit or have any family members who applied to or benefit from RHI.
"2. John Robinson has no personal interest in the poultry industry. His family home farm have chicken houses but are not part of the RHI scheme and never have been recipients or applicants."
(CD)
Mr Bell was speaking in the Assembly on Monday, 16 January. He was recently suspended by the DUP for speaking to the media about the RHI scheme.
His claims were made under parliamentary privilege.
Mr Bell said: "The very first piece of information given to me in a ministerial office, by DUP party officer appointed special adviser Timothy Cairns, was that you will not be allowed to reduce the tariff on this scheme because Timothy Johnston, special adviser to the then First Minister, and John Robinson, at that time director of communications to the DUP and now the special adviser to the economy minister, had such extensive interests in the poultry industry."
The DUP has rejected the claims and described them as "outrageous".
A DUP statement said: "Following unsubstantiated allegations made by Jonathan Bell in the Assembly chamber under the cover of privilege, we wish to point out that:
"1. Timothy Johnston has no interests whatsoever in the poultry industry and does not benefit or have any family members who applied to or benefit from RHI.
"2. John Robinson has no personal interest in the poultry industry. His family home farm have chicken houses but are not part of the RHI scheme and never have been recipients or applicants."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 January 2009
SF Slams Minister As Maze Stadium Plans Axed
Gregory Campbell has hammered the 'final nail in the coffin' of a much-mooted Maze Sports Stadium. In a move already criticised by Sinn Féin, the NI Sports Minister has decided to drop the plans, following months of uncertainty and political wrangling.
SF Slams Minister As Maze Stadium Plans Axed
Gregory Campbell has hammered the 'final nail in the coffin' of a much-mooted Maze Sports Stadium. In a move already criticised by Sinn Féin, the NI Sports Minister has decided to drop the plans, following months of uncertainty and political wrangling.
28 November 2003
Final results in for 2003 NI Assembly election
UPDATE: With all counts declared on Friday evening the clear winners are the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party who have claimed 10 more seats on the Assembly and Sinn Féin who have won 6 seats.
Final results in for 2003 NI Assembly election
UPDATE: With all counts declared on Friday evening the clear winners are the Rev Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party who have claimed 10 more seats on the Assembly and Sinn Féin who have won 6 seats.
21 November 2024
5 New Trends Sweeping The Online Gaming Industry
Online gaming is constantly changing. Each year, new trends emerge that shape the experiences of millions of players worldwide. This year is no different, with several exciting shifts capturing the attention of gamers everywhere.
5 New Trends Sweeping The Online Gaming Industry
Online gaming is constantly changing. Each year, new trends emerge that shape the experiences of millions of players worldwide. This year is no different, with several exciting shifts capturing the attention of gamers everywhere.
09 May 2005
NI council results at present
NI’s elected councillors as of Monday afternoon Carrickfergus: Billy Ashe, Terence Clement, David Hilditch, Patricia McKinney (DUP), Sean Neeson (AP), William Hamilton, Charles Brown (Ind) Newtownabbey: William Ball, Paula Bradley, Nigel Hamilton, Robert Hill, John Mann, Mandy Girvan (DUP), Tom Campbell, Lynn Frazer (AP), Janet Crilly, Ken Robi
NI council results at present
NI’s elected councillors as of Monday afternoon Carrickfergus: Billy Ashe, Terence Clement, David Hilditch, Patricia McKinney (DUP), Sean Neeson (AP), William Hamilton, Charles Brown (Ind) Newtownabbey: William Ball, Paula Bradley, Nigel Hamilton, Robert Hill, John Mann, Mandy Girvan (DUP), Tom Campbell, Lynn Frazer (AP), Janet Crilly, Ken Robi
13 August 2014
Dairy Industry Still Calculating Effects Of Russia Ban - UFU
The UK dairy industry is still attempting to calculate the effect of the current ban on EU agri-foods being imported to Russia, the deputy president of the Ulster Farmers' Union has said. Barclay Bell made the comments during a meeting of representatives of the farming unions across the UK during a meeting in Northern Ireland.
Dairy Industry Still Calculating Effects Of Russia Ban - UFU
The UK dairy industry is still attempting to calculate the effect of the current ban on EU agri-foods being imported to Russia, the deputy president of the Ulster Farmers' Union has said. Barclay Bell made the comments during a meeting of representatives of the farming unions across the UK during a meeting in Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
