Jim Allister responds to Stormont gagging order and he's not backing down

Sinn Fein MLA, Mr. Maskey, reprimanded Mr. Allister for his conduct in the Assembly chamber on Monday and on two other occasions.

“Today a three day gagging order was placed on me by the Sinn Fein Speaker, after I sought yesterday to challenge the disgraceful refusal by the Assembly Commission, through the exercise of a Sinn Fein veto, to permit a centenary stone to be placed within the curtilage of Parliament Buildings," said Mr. Allister.

“Mr Speaker further relied on an alleged “interruption” by me of Ms Bradshaw when she was speaking on 8 March 2021.

"What was described as an “interruption” was in fact a wholly unintentional distraction for Ms Bradshaw, arising from me conducting a conversation - obviously too loudly - with Mr Buckley while seated behind her.

"There was no challenge or heckling or anything else directed at Ms Bradshaw, but as became clear she found the conversation distracting and I readily apologised for same."

Mr. Allister continued: “I am therefore surprised to find this incident relied upon, though only in part, in justifying the penalty imposed on me. I cannot think of any member ever being disciplined for conducting a conversation too loudly - rebuked yes, but not disciplined.

“Yesterday in the debate on flags and emblems we witnessed some of the most bellicose and ill-tempered speeches I have heard from Sinn Fein MLAs, Anderson, Sheerin and Sheehan, but no repercussions!

“On behalf of my constituents I seek to make my points with vigour and clarity. While the Speaker’s ruling is mandatory, I regret that my constituents are to be punished in this way, but assure them that while I might be silenced for three days in the chamber, their voice and opinions will be heard.”

On Monday, Mr. Allister shouted "scandal", "shame" and "embarrassment" at Speaker Maskey after Sinn Fein blocked the erection of a sculpture within Stormont to mark the 100th anniversary of Northern Ireland.

Mr. Allister attempted to make his feelings on the decision by raising it as a point of order but was immediately told to stop and take his seat by Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Sinn Fein MLA, Alex Maskey.

Mr. Maskey is also the Chairperson of the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission - the commission comprises of representatives from Sinn Fein, DUP, UUP, SDLP and the Alliance Party.

"Mr. Speaker, I want to ask how the commission which you chair, the Assembly Commission, hopes to carry the confidence of the unionist community," said Mr. Allister on Monday.

Mr. Maskey interrupted Mr. Allister and asked him to resume his seat.

"That is not a point of order and the member [Jim Allister] is aware that it's not a point of order."

Mr. Allister sat down but then proceeded to shout: "it's an embarrassment for you - it's a shame, it's an absolute shame that the centenary of Northern Ireland, by virtue of a commission that you chair, is denied to be celebrated."

Mr. Maskey "Mr. Allister do not accuse this speaker of being unfair or of abusing my position - I advise you not to do that."

Mr. Alister responded: "The commission is unfair - it's a scandal."

Mr. Maskey hit back saying: "The commission is made up of five parties - those members, in my view, work very hard to try and reach agreement on a wide range of issues.

"I very much want to commend my own officials for assisting the parties in reaching agreement very recently on the centenary for example and other matters."

Mr. Maskey added: "I would defend the right of commission members to agree or disagree but one thing I will say is that, despite political differences, they work hard to reach agreement and I will not have them insulted in this chamber so I am not raising any other discussion on this issue."