Tempers flare in Stormont as Jim Allister rages at speaker Alex Maskey over decision to deny erection of NI centenary stone

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.

Last week Sinn Fein vetoed the proposal that a bespoke stone sculpture be erected within the grounds of Stormont to mark the 100th anniversary of when Northern Ireland was originally formed in 1921.

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

Mr. Maskey interrupted Mr. Alistair 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."

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