Fury over DUP's use of resources
THE DUP is under fire because some of its senior figures have issued ministerial-type statements
or statements on government notepaper – after insisting on a six-week delay to devolution.
The Alliance Party has hit out at the unionist party, after Culture, Arts and Leisure spokesman Edwin Poots made an official statement using departmental resources.
Mr Poots offered congratulations to all who organised the Under-19 Rugby World Cup in his capacity as future minister and this was also carried on the DCAL website.
Last week, First Minister-designate Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister-in-waiting Martin McGuinness also issued joint Press releases, in a ministerial and statesman-like fashion.
Alliance Culture, Arts and Leisure spokesman Kieran McCarthy said such moves flew in the face of "the DUP's absurd strategy of delaying devolution by six weeks".
He commented: "I cannot believe that a DUP politician (Mr Poots), who has not yet taken up the post of DCAL minister, is having statements being released from him by DCAL civil servants.
"This move is totally disgraceful. Statements should only be sent out from politicians by government officials from May 8 onwards.
"The public will no doubt feel confused and aggrieved that, even though the DUP vehemently argued for this ridiculous six-week devolution delay, they are still prepared to use departmental resources before it.
"We would like a full explanation as to why Edwin Poots and DCAL officials took it upon themselves to release this statement together.
"We need clarification on this issue because this is an unfair drain on public purse."
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Weather for Belfast
Monday 13 February 2012
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