03/06/2013
MLAs Debate SPAD Bill
MLAs are currently debating in Stormont a Bill that would make it illegal for people with serious convictions to be a special political adviser (SPAD).
The Bill was originally put forward by TUV leader Jim Allister, in response to Sinn Féin's decision to appoint Mary McArdle as a special adviser in 2010.
Ms McArdle was convicted over the murder of judge's daughter Mary Travers.
Ms Travers' sister Ann launched a campaign and Ms McArdle was moved from her post as adviser to Culture and Arts Minister Carál Ní Chuilín.
Sinn Fein has submitted a petition of concern in an attempt to block the legislation being passed.
If passed, the Bill would mean Martin McGuinness's adviser, Paul Kavanagh, would lose his job. Mr Kavanagh was convicted for his part in two London bombings that claimed three lives.
The SDLP had initially pledged to oppose the Bill after proposed amendments were ruled out, but now the party says it won't sign the petition of concern.
SDLP Leader Dr. Alasdair McDonnell said: "We are on record about our concerns with aspects of this bill and the motivations behind the proposal.
"We do not believe this bill, or a piecemeal private member’s bill, can comprehensively deal with the needs of victims.
"We will not sign a petition of concern.
"This bill has hit a deep nerve among victims and the wider public because Sinn Fein and the DUP have singularly failed to deal with the past in an ethical, truthful and comprehensive way.
"The needs of victims and survivors are not being met. We want to see clear mechanisms put in place that provide wide ranging support for victims and survivors. That has always been our view."
(IT/CD)
The Bill was originally put forward by TUV leader Jim Allister, in response to Sinn Féin's decision to appoint Mary McArdle as a special adviser in 2010.
Ms McArdle was convicted over the murder of judge's daughter Mary Travers.
Ms Travers' sister Ann launched a campaign and Ms McArdle was moved from her post as adviser to Culture and Arts Minister Carál Ní Chuilín.
Sinn Fein has submitted a petition of concern in an attempt to block the legislation being passed.
If passed, the Bill would mean Martin McGuinness's adviser, Paul Kavanagh, would lose his job. Mr Kavanagh was convicted for his part in two London bombings that claimed three lives.
The SDLP had initially pledged to oppose the Bill after proposed amendments were ruled out, but now the party says it won't sign the petition of concern.
SDLP Leader Dr. Alasdair McDonnell said: "We are on record about our concerns with aspects of this bill and the motivations behind the proposal.
"We do not believe this bill, or a piecemeal private member’s bill, can comprehensively deal with the needs of victims.
"We will not sign a petition of concern.
"This bill has hit a deep nerve among victims and the wider public because Sinn Fein and the DUP have singularly failed to deal with the past in an ethical, truthful and comprehensive way.
"The needs of victims and survivors are not being met. We want to see clear mechanisms put in place that provide wide ranging support for victims and survivors. That has always been our view."
(IT/CD)
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