DUP leader Arlene Foster and powerful chief executive Timothy Johnston say sorry for RHI ‘mistakes’

Responding to the report, Mrs Foster apologised for her failings, telling the Press Association: “Obviously there are issues when I look back that I wish had done differently.

“I apologise for that and apologise for any failings on behalf of the party.”

The DUP leader said the report had provided a “roadmap” to try to rebuild public trust in government and politics in Northern Ireland.

Asked whether she would be considering her position, she replied: “No it doesn’t make myself reflect.

“Obviously I look back at the mistakes that were made and wish things had happened in a different way but I think for me what I have to do now is learn the lessons, particularly around my piece and also around the whole governance piece as well, being the First Minister, to make sure that those are implemented.”

Finance Minister Conor Murphy said a dedicated Executive sub-committee would now be established to act on the report’s findings.

The DUP’s powerful chief executive Timothy Johnston – who at the time of RHI was the party’s most senior Spad in Stormont Castle – issued a statement through his solicitor in which he said he was “pleased to note that many of the accusations made on the floor of the Northern Ireland Assembly, under privilege, by [Jonathan Bell]have not be proven”.

He added: “At the time of the establishment of the inquiry, allegations were made about actions being taken on foot of either a financial motivation or other improper motivation, and in my case that named members of my wider family were somehow “involved in installing boilers” or in the scheme, which was not the case.

“I welcome the fact that no such findings have been made by the inquiry and no suggestion is made of any improper motivation on my behalf throughout the period.”

Mr Johnston said he was “disappointed that the inquiry panel, on balance, did not find in my favour on some aspects of my evidence [but] I was grateful for the opportunity to set out my clear recollection of the events at that time”.

Mr Johnston said that he had always “acted in good faith” and added: “I apologise for my mistakes at the time and recognise that lessons must be learned.”