The SDLP have said that it is "ready and prepared" to ensure that the recently opened recall petition against the corruption of Ian Paisley receives the ten percent of signatures it needs to trigger a by-election, giving voters the opportunity to reject him at the polls.

Accusing Mr Paisley of treating his North Antrim constituents with "utter contempt", SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood, said: "The SDLP will be taking an anti-corruption message to the streets and doors of North Antrim; encouraging constituents to support the recall position, to send a clear message that corruption has no place in our politics.

"Financial scandals such as the Renewable Heat Incentive, which has cost the taxpayer £460m, the Social Investment Fund which has given public money to groups linked with paramilitaries, now both compounded with Mr Paisley's lavish holidays gifted from a government with a disgustingly poor human rights record, makes a mockery of our politics here. The SDLP want to make it clear that people have a chance to say no to this, and reject this indefensible behaviour at the ballot box.

"As the party of civil rights, the SDLP is working towards a New Ireland free from poverty, prejudice and injustice. Therefore, we will not tolerate a situation where Ian Paisley is allowed to treat voters with such utter contempt and brute ignorance.

"The SDLP's message to the electorate in North Antrim is clear, it doesn't have to be this way."

(MH/CM)