Jim Allister: If RHI had happened anywhere else, heads would have rolled over it

While the Coghlin report deploys neutral language, it is clear that the panel was appalled by much of what they encountered, leading to a key conclusion that Stormont was not fit to manage the RHI scheme.
By Jim Allister
Published 15th Mar 2020, 10:40 BST
Updated 15th Mar 2020, 19:11 BST
Sir Patrick Coughlan's Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) inquiry report. Mr Allister says: "It confirms astounding bungling by those who presented themselves, either as ministers, civil servants or SpAds, as competent. By spreading the blame widely some may have escaped the sharper criticism that they deserved" Pic: Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker/PA WireSir Patrick Coughlan's Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) inquiry report. Mr Allister says: "It confirms astounding bungling by those who presented themselves, either as ministers, civil servants or SpAds, as competent. By spreading the blame widely some may have escaped the sharper criticism that they deserved" Pic: Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker/PA Wire
Sir Patrick Coughlan's Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) inquiry report. Mr Allister says: "It confirms astounding bungling by those who presented themselves, either as ministers, civil servants or SpAds, as competent. By spreading the blame widely some may have escaped the sharper criticism that they deserved" Pic: Colm Lenaghan/ Pacemaker/PA Wire

The RHI report confirms a catalogue of abysmal failure and astounding bungling by those who presented themselves, either as ministers, civil servants or SpAds, as competent, specialist and trustworthy. This was squander Made in Stormont.

By spreading the blame widely some may have escaped the sharper criticism that they deserved. Yet, the question remains ‘will there be consequences for anyone?’

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In any other jurisdiction it is hard to imagine that heads would not roll. But here, even the concept that the buck stops with the minister when a department spectacularly fails, as DETI did, has become so muted that a pre-emptive apology seems to do. It is actions, not words that count.

Letter to the editorLetter to the editor
Letter to the editor

The report is littered with findings which underscore the need for legislation on the functioning of government, such as I am proposing.

Through the Second Stage vote on my Private Member’s Bill on Monday I hope to separate the wheat of action from the chaff of mere words.

Jim Allister QC, TUV MLA

Related topics:Jim Allister