Deputy First Minister says she 'had absolutely no reason to believe' Jeffrey Donaldson was a danger prior to his arrest
Stormont’s deputy First Minister says she had “absolutely no reason to believe” that Jeffrey Donaldson was dangerous, before his offending came to light.
Emma Little-Pengelly issued a statement on social media on Tuesday evening, after media reports and comments by the First Minister Michelle O’Neill.
The DUP minister said the "sexually inappropriate behaviour and offending” that has come to light about Jeffrey Donaldson has “disgusted, shocked and revolted me”.
She also addressed a claim, reported in the Belfast Telegraph, that she had warned a woman that Donaldson was “a danger” to her.
“As I outlined to the Belfast Telegraph, I am clear that I would not have told anyone that Jeffrey Donaldson was dangerous, including the person who is referred to in the article. I had absolutely no reason to believe he was in 2020 nor did I have that view of him at that time or anytime until his offending came to light”, Ms Little-Pengelly said.
“I am personally devastated and shocked that my name has been referred to in this way, and that there is any implied interpretation that I was of that view or I had some reason to believe it to be true.
“I absolutely abhor any sexual abuse, criminal behaviour or any unwanted sexually inappropriate behaviour. Indeed, I have campaigned against this type of behaviour throughout my life.
“My thoughts are firmly with the victims of any inappropriate behaviour, and particularly those who have been the victims and survivors of this horrendous sexual offending”, the deputy FM said.
Her partner in government Michelle O’Neill had said earlier in the day that there are “lots of questions” for the DUP to answer.
“I think it is very, very important that they step forward, they answer the questions as to who knew what, when they knew it, who they spoke to about it, when it was reported”, the Sinn Fein politician said.
Donaldson was last month convicted of sex offences against two women when they were children, including one count of rape.
The DUP has previously commissioned an independent review into issues raised since the verdict. It has also said that various issues raised in the media had not been brought to the party through the appropriate channels.