11/01/2007

UUP cleared by Electoral Commission

The Electoral Commission has today cleared the Ulster Unionist Party of any wrongdoing over the failure to disclose funds.

Last June, the Commission asked the PSNI to investigate claims that the party had two bank accounts, which they had not disclosed to their treasurer.

It is understood that the accounts held around £50,000.

The Electoral Commission said that the UUP had fully co-operated with police throughout the investigation and added that they were now satisfied that the party did not set out to withhold the information and that the omission was an “oversight”.

A spokesperson for the Ulster Unionist Party said: "We thank the Electoral Commission for their help and co-operation and we welcome today's statement which sees an end to the Electoral Commission's inquiry.

"This was a matter that the party was keen to see cleared up and clarified.

"We have put in place more stringent accounting and auditing procedures to ensure future compliance with the legislation and look forward to a continued good relationship with the commission."

(EF/KMcA)

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