MLA expelled over SF robbery claim
A senior Ulster Unionist was expelled from the Assembly today for making claims linking a Sinn Féin member to the Northern Bank robbery.
Strangford representative David McNarry was suspended from the chamber and the wider Stormont estate for the day after refusing to withdraw remarks he made about Foyle MLA Raymond McCartney.
Speaker William Hay ruled that the comments – made on May 18th – were unparliamentary.
“I have reflected on what Mr McNarry said in that particular debate and I believe that direct unsubstantiated allegations of criminal behaviour were made against another member,” he said.
Mr Hay asked Mr McNarry to withdraw them and when he declined he ordered him from chamber.
The former Ulster Unionist Party chief whip made the comments during question time with Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister Gregory Campbell.
Mr McCartney had asked the minister whether he planned to replicate a government scheme in Scotland which ploughed money seized from criminals back into projects that benefit the community.
After Mr Campbell gave his response, Mr McNarry interjected.
“I note that the Member for Foyle who asked the previous question, who might know someone who might know some more, is not offering cash back from the proceeds of the Northern Bank robbery,” he said. “It would substantially add to the criminal asset recovery funds if he or some of his friends were to come forward.”
At the time Mr McCartney asked for the comments to be referred to the Speaker’s office and today Mr Hay gave his ruling.
Mr McNarry is not the first unionist to be expelled from the chamber during this Assembly term. DUP members Iris Robinson and Nelson McCausland have both been issued suspensions – Mr McCausland on two occasions.
