12/12/2018
Paisley To Face New Questions Over 2016 Holiday
DUP MP Ian Paisley is to face new questions over another "luxury holiday" to the Maldives in 2016.
A BBC Spotlight programme has claimed that Mr Paisley accepted a holiday to a Maldives resort at the invitation of the Maldivian government "months after advocating on behalf of its government".
It is understood that Mr Paisley has claimed that he paid for part of the holiday, with the rest paid for "by a friend".
However, according to the BBC programme, Mr Paisley has not revealed the identity of the so-called "friend".
The programme raised questions over whether or not Mr Paisley should have declared the 2016 holiday.
Mr Paisley recently faced a historic 30 day suspension from Westminster and his party, after it was ruled that he had broken parliamentary rules by not declaring two holidays to Sri Lanka in 2013.
Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan said: "The public is entitled to know who paid for this holiday and why Ian Paisley had not registered the trip with the authorities at Westminster.
"Questions also arise about Ian Paisley's relationship with the government of the Maldives, which had been criticised by the UN over allegations of human rights abuses.
"All of this comes on the heels of Ian Paisley's suspension from the British House of Commons following his failure to declare lavish family holidays in Sri Lanka.
"I have now written to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, Kathyrn Stone, to ask her to investigate these allegations."
(MH)
A BBC Spotlight programme has claimed that Mr Paisley accepted a holiday to a Maldives resort at the invitation of the Maldivian government "months after advocating on behalf of its government".
It is understood that Mr Paisley has claimed that he paid for part of the holiday, with the rest paid for "by a friend".
However, according to the BBC programme, Mr Paisley has not revealed the identity of the so-called "friend".
The programme raised questions over whether or not Mr Paisley should have declared the 2016 holiday.
Mr Paisley recently faced a historic 30 day suspension from Westminster and his party, after it was ruled that he had broken parliamentary rules by not declaring two holidays to Sri Lanka in 2013.
Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan said: "The public is entitled to know who paid for this holiday and why Ian Paisley had not registered the trip with the authorities at Westminster.
"Questions also arise about Ian Paisley's relationship with the government of the Maldives, which had been criticised by the UN over allegations of human rights abuses.
"All of this comes on the heels of Ian Paisley's suspension from the British House of Commons following his failure to declare lavish family holidays in Sri Lanka.
"I have now written to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, Kathyrn Stone, to ask her to investigate these allegations."
(MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2024
Man Extradited From Ireland To Face Serious Charges
A 33-year-old man has been extradited from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland to face serious charges. The man is accused of assault causing harm, coercive control, contravention of a safety order, theft, and possession of a weapon. The alleged offences occurred in the Monaghan area between 2020 and 2021.
Man Extradited From Ireland To Face Serious Charges
A 33-year-old man has been extradited from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland to face serious charges. The man is accused of assault causing harm, coercive control, contravention of a safety order, theft, and possession of a weapon. The alleged offences occurred in the Monaghan area between 2020 and 2021.
18 November 2024
69-Year-Old Extradited From Spain To Face Child Abuse Charges
A 69-year-old man has been extradited from Spain to stand trial Northern Ireland for child-related sexual offences that occurred in the mid-1980s and early 1990s.
69-Year-Old Extradited From Spain To Face Child Abuse Charges
A 69-year-old man has been extradited from Spain to stand trial Northern Ireland for child-related sexual offences that occurred in the mid-1980s and early 1990s.
26 June 2019
Ian Paisley Faces Fresh Holiday Backlash
Sinn Fein has said the DUP has serious questions to answer amid fresh revelations about holidays taken by north Antrim MP Ian Paisley. A BBC Spotlight investigation highlighted a number of holidays the politician took to the Maldives, one of which was reportedly paid for by a former government minister.
Ian Paisley Faces Fresh Holiday Backlash
Sinn Fein has said the DUP has serious questions to answer amid fresh revelations about holidays taken by north Antrim MP Ian Paisley. A BBC Spotlight investigation highlighted a number of holidays the politician took to the Maldives, one of which was reportedly paid for by a former government minister.
28 February 2008
Ulster Keeps Eye On Trump Golf Project Inquiry
The already contentious application by Trump International Golf Links Scotland to develop a golf resort is now set to go to a Public Local Inquiry - with the outcome eagerly watched by political representatives in Northern Ireland who aim to 'steal' the project for the Province.
Ulster Keeps Eye On Trump Golf Project Inquiry
The already contentious application by Trump International Golf Links Scotland to develop a golf resort is now set to go to a Public Local Inquiry - with the outcome eagerly watched by political representatives in Northern Ireland who aim to 'steal' the project for the Province.
18 July 2018
Ian Paisley Faces Suspension From House Of Commons
DUP MP Ian Paisley faces a 30-day suspension from the House of Commons for breaching parliamentary rules. Mr Paisley failed to declare the details of two family holidays paid for by the Sri Lankan government in 2013.
Ian Paisley Faces Suspension From House Of Commons
DUP MP Ian Paisley faces a 30-day suspension from the House of Commons for breaching parliamentary rules. Mr Paisley failed to declare the details of two family holidays paid for by the Sri Lankan government in 2013.
-
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.