Jonathan Bell To Stand As Independent In Strangford

Former DUP MLA Jonathan Bell is to stand as an independent in Strangford in the next Assembly election in March.

Speaking on the BBC's Stephen Nolan show he said: "The cash for ash scandal has disgusted many, many people and that's why I believe it is time for the truth."

Mr Bell also said that he was still a member of the DUP, although he had been suspended by the party.

However, he said his only option was to stand as an independent.

In a statement Mr Bell said: "Political life here has been corrupted by spin and deceit.

"The people want integrity and not the scheming of the big party machines. The people want honesty and not the ducking and diving of political spin doctors. Time for Truth is what I stand for.

"We need to set the tone for a more honest politics, a more accountable politics and a more open and transparent public life.

"The judge-led public inquiry I called for into Cash for Ash will, I hope, mark the end of shady dealings and the beginning of a new era of open accountability in which there is no hiding place for those who abuse public funds."

(CD)