Stormont must be held to UK standards in public life

There “is no issue under the ministerial code for Mr O’Muilleoir to answer, so therefore the accountability mechanisms do not come into play”.

Prior to any investigation, I find this statement from an MLA most unimpressive, disappointing and inappropriate. The public has an inherent right and expectation for politicians to behave in a way that upholds the highest standards of propriety, accountability and transparency.

Unfortunately, in Northern Ireland it appears that each year such standards have gradually become less and less important to the detriment of good governance and our citizens.

There appears to be an unhealthy acceptance of “it’s okay, it’s Northern Ireland, that’s what happens here”. Voters in this Province deserve much better in terms of standards and proper accountability from all elected representatives.

Martin McGuinness thinks that calls by political parties and others for the Finance Minister to stand aside pending investigation is “ridiculous and nothing more than petty party politicking”.

I disagree. Serious allegations have been levelled against Martin O’Muilleoir arising from the Nama hearings and as a member of the Finance Committee he played a very vocal and dominant role. He is now the minister in charge of finance and has full access to Nama correspondence/documentation and responsibility for decision making.

A conflict of interest? Indeed he recently authorised the release of Nama disclosure documents.

Surely, the public interest would be best served and protected if he were to stand down temporarily so that the allegations can be properly investigated. His failure to do so is not conducive to public confidence.

Perhaps Mr Stalford would kindly clarify the basis for his statement, bearing in mind, the seriousness of this matter in conjunction with the content of the Code of Conduct for MLA’s and Executive ministers. Is he pre-judging the investigation? Is it a personal view or DUP party policy?

Finally would he advise the public whether we should accept lower standards than those exercised in the remainder of the United Kingdom.

Issy Whyte, Co Down