Special Advisers Bill Passes Latest Hurdle

The SDLP have said they will attempt to block a bill that will prevent former prisoners guilty of serious offences from holding posts as Stormont special advisers (SPADs).

The legislation was initially brought by TUV leader Jim Allister after the controversial appointment of Mary McArdle in 2011 as adviser to Sinn Féin Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín.

Ms McArdle had been convicted of involvement in the IRA murder of 22-year-old Mary Travers, almost 30 years ago.

She vacated the position in March last year following a campaign by the victim's sister.

On Monday, MLAs debated 20 amendments to the bill. Mr Allister proposed that the role of Northern Ireland Commissioners as adjudicators in an appeal's process be abandoned, and instead an independent panel appointed by the Department of Finance and Personnel would be responsible for the process.

The SDLP also brought forward amendments, including dismissing the retrospective nature of the bill, which would mean only advisers appointed after the law is introduced would be affected. They also wanted to change the criteria for judging whether a Special Adviser would be suitable.

After the debate, which ran five hours over its schedule, the decision was made to accept the TUV amendments, but the SDLP amendments were ultimately rejected.

The bill seeks to ban anyone who has been sentenced to more than five years in prison from taking up a post in the future.

(JP/CD)