18/04/2018
NI Audit Office To Hold Review Over Dinner Hosted By DUP MP
The Northern Ireland Audit Office is to hold a review into a dinner hosted by DUP MP Ian Paisley.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council paid £1,500 for a table at the Tullyglass Hotel in Ballymena which was attended by politician Michael Gove.
A statement from the NI Audit Office said: "We are aware of that particular issue and will specifically review that transaction as part of our audit procedures when we come to review the accounts."
The Electoral Commission also said it was aware of the matter and was considering it in line with its enforcement policy.
Sinn Féin Mid and East Antrim Councillor Patrice Hardy said: "I have attempted to get to the bottom of this matter including submitting Freedom of Information Requests to the council.
"I welcome the fact the Electoral Commission has confirmed it is looking into whether or not the DUP benefitted financially from the council's money as local authorities are not permissible donors to political parties."
(CD/LM)
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council paid £1,500 for a table at the Tullyglass Hotel in Ballymena which was attended by politician Michael Gove.
A statement from the NI Audit Office said: "We are aware of that particular issue and will specifically review that transaction as part of our audit procedures when we come to review the accounts."
The Electoral Commission also said it was aware of the matter and was considering it in line with its enforcement policy.
Sinn Féin Mid and East Antrim Councillor Patrice Hardy said: "I have attempted to get to the bottom of this matter including submitting Freedom of Information Requests to the council.
"I welcome the fact the Electoral Commission has confirmed it is looking into whether or not the DUP benefitted financially from the council's money as local authorities are not permissible donors to political parties."
(CD/LM)
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