Menu
21/01/2010
Iris Lobby Probe Halted
The likely cost of any major investigation into lobbying undertaken by disgraced MP, Iris Robinson has led a Stormont Executive Minister to rule-out any such probe.
A Sinn Féin question in the Assembly has uncovered news that, despite fresh details emerging on lobbying activities by the DUP's Iris Robinson on planning applications involving developers said to have bankrolled her then lover's business, Environment Minister Edwin Poots has ruled out a full trawl of the records.
He said this week that it would involve "disproportionate" costs for his department.
Mrs Robinson lobbied in 2008 for a Newtownards housing scheme linked to builder Ken Campbell, yet, around this same time, she obtained £25,000 from the businessman for her 19-year-old lover Kirk McCambley's new cafe business.
A further £25,000 was received for the cafe from property tycoon Fred Fraser, who has since died.
Yesterday, in reply to the questions from Sinn Féin MLA Daithi McKay, Mr Poots cited three examples of his DUP colleague making representations on specific cases.
These included the proposed Newtownards development which was already a matter of public record, plus a 2005 housing scheme proposal in Comber also linked to Mr Campbell's company.
The Minister also stated that Mrs Robinson made representations on a 2003 application from a Fraser-linked company for a dwelling on land in Newtownards.
(BMcC/GK)
A Sinn Féin question in the Assembly has uncovered news that, despite fresh details emerging on lobbying activities by the DUP's Iris Robinson on planning applications involving developers said to have bankrolled her then lover's business, Environment Minister Edwin Poots has ruled out a full trawl of the records.
He said this week that it would involve "disproportionate" costs for his department.
Mrs Robinson lobbied in 2008 for a Newtownards housing scheme linked to builder Ken Campbell, yet, around this same time, she obtained £25,000 from the businessman for her 19-year-old lover Kirk McCambley's new cafe business.
A further £25,000 was received for the cafe from property tycoon Fred Fraser, who has since died.
Yesterday, in reply to the questions from Sinn Féin MLA Daithi McKay, Mr Poots cited three examples of his DUP colleague making representations on specific cases.
These included the proposed Newtownards development which was already a matter of public record, plus a 2005 housing scheme proposal in Comber also linked to Mr Campbell's company.
The Minister also stated that Mrs Robinson made representations on a 2003 application from a Fraser-linked company for a dwelling on land in Newtownards.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 January 2004
Unionists are uniting around the DUP, claims Iris Robinson
The DUP has responded to a call for unionist unity by UUP MLA David McNarry claiming that unionism is uniting - around the DUP. Strangford DUP MLA Iris Robinson said: "Unionists are uniting around the position and policies of the Democratic Unionist Party.
Unionists are uniting around the DUP, claims Iris Robinson
The DUP has responded to a call for unionist unity by UUP MLA David McNarry claiming that unionism is uniting - around the DUP. Strangford DUP MLA Iris Robinson said: "Unionists are uniting around the position and policies of the Democratic Unionist Party.
23 January 2024
Highrise Safety Cannot Progress Without Minister – Alliance
The Alliance Party has raised concerns that new safety plans by the Department for Communities designed to address fire safety in high rise buildings will not be delivered without a Minister to take them forward.
Highrise Safety Cannot Progress Without Minister – Alliance
The Alliance Party has raised concerns that new safety plans by the Department for Communities designed to address fire safety in high rise buildings will not be delivered without a Minister to take them forward.
26 February 2024
Ministers Call For NI To Be Included In Reversal Of PO Convictions
The Executive Office and Justice Minister have written a joint letter to Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business, Kevin Hollinrake, calling for legislation to reverse the convictions of sub-postmasters to also apply in Northern Ireland.
Ministers Call For NI To Be Included In Reversal Of PO Convictions
The Executive Office and Justice Minister have written a joint letter to Minister for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business, Kevin Hollinrake, calling for legislation to reverse the convictions of sub-postmasters to also apply in Northern Ireland.
05 March 2024
Ministers Discuss Development Of Football At All Levels In NI
Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has welcomed UK Sports Minister, Stuart Andrew, on an official visit to Northern Ireland. During his visit, the Ministers will discuss the development of football at all levels in NI.
Ministers Discuss Development Of Football At All Levels In NI
Communities Minister, Gordon Lyons, has welcomed UK Sports Minister, Stuart Andrew, on an official visit to Northern Ireland. During his visit, the Ministers will discuss the development of football at all levels in NI.
22 July 2008
Robinson Denies 'Child Abuse' Slur On Gays
Just weeks after DUP MP Iris Robinson insisted in a BBC radio interview that gay people could be "turned around" - and subsequently said she would defend her right to express her religious beliefs - the NI First Minister's wife and party colleague has said her views may have been misrepresented in a second apparent 'gaff'.
Robinson Denies 'Child Abuse' Slur On Gays
Just weeks after DUP MP Iris Robinson insisted in a BBC radio interview that gay people could be "turned around" - and subsequently said she would defend her right to express her religious beliefs - the NI First Minister's wife and party colleague has said her views may have been misrepresented in a second apparent 'gaff'.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with clear skies this evening. Patchy cloud will increase at times overnight, but some clear spells too. Light winds and some patchy shallow mist or fog towards dawn. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
