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16/10/2014
Stormont Meeting Suspended Over 'Thug' Remark
A committee hearing at Stormont has been suspended after the DUP's Sammy Wilson refused to retract a remark in which he called the TUV leader Jim Allister a "thug".
The social development committee meeting into alleged political interference in the Housing Executive was taking place on Thursday morning. It relates to the awarding of contracts by then Social Development Minister and Sammy Wilson's DUP colleague Nelson McCausland.
Mr Wilson accused Mr Allister of "bullying" DSD special advisor Stephen Brimstone, who is a witness in the inquiry.
Sinn Féin Chairman of the committee Alex Maskey asked Mr Wilson to withdraw the remark, which Mr Wilson refused.
The meeting was then suspended.
Alliance Social Development spokesperson Stewart Dickson said: "Sammy Wilson’s use of inappropriate language at the Social Development Committee was merely an attempt to divert attention from the evidence of Stephen Brimstone.
"The decision to end the questioning today will not let Mr Brimstone off the hook. I will be speaking to the Chair to ensure that he returns to give evidence at the next available date. I will not let the DUP’s silly games get in the way of the truth."
(IT/MH)
The social development committee meeting into alleged political interference in the Housing Executive was taking place on Thursday morning. It relates to the awarding of contracts by then Social Development Minister and Sammy Wilson's DUP colleague Nelson McCausland.
Mr Wilson accused Mr Allister of "bullying" DSD special advisor Stephen Brimstone, who is a witness in the inquiry.
Sinn Féin Chairman of the committee Alex Maskey asked Mr Wilson to withdraw the remark, which Mr Wilson refused.
The meeting was then suspended.
Alliance Social Development spokesperson Stewart Dickson said: "Sammy Wilson’s use of inappropriate language at the Social Development Committee was merely an attempt to divert attention from the evidence of Stephen Brimstone.
"The decision to end the questioning today will not let Mr Brimstone off the hook. I will be speaking to the Chair to ensure that he returns to give evidence at the next available date. I will not let the DUP’s silly games get in the way of the truth."
(IT/MH)
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