AN attempt by Jim Allister to ban convicted killers from serving as publicly-funded advisers to Stormont ministers has moved another step forward.
Six months ago the TUV leader began a public consultation on a new law to be taken through the Assembly. Yesterday he said that Speaker Willie Hay has given authority for a Private Member’s Bill to be drafted.
Mr Allister’s legal bid has the support of Ann Travers. Her sister, Mary Travers, was murdered by an IRA gang which included Mary McArdle, who is now special adviser to Sinn Fein Culture Minister Caral Ni Chuilin.
The North Antrim MLA said that there was a “complex and protracted” process to introducing a Private Member’s Bill but that it had now taken “a significant step forward”.
“Over the coming weeks I will liaise with the draftsman on the detail of the bill, which when completed will start its progress through the Assembly.
“There I hope it will attract the support of all democrats so that we can right the wrong of convicted criminals holding such high office.”