Menu
02/10/2015
First Minister To Give Evidence Over Nama Deal
First Minister Peter Robinson has confirmed he will appear before the Finance committee over the sale of the Nama portfolio in Northern Ireland.
In a letter to committee chair Daithí McKay he said he is willing to give oral evidence on 14 October.
Loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson alleged that £7 million was lodged in a bank account in the Isle of Man and was earmarked for Mr Robinson and four other people.
Mr Robinson said the claims were "scurrilous and unfounded".
Sinn Féin MLA Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, who also sits on the Finance committee, has also called on former Finance Minister Simon Hamilton to appear before the committee.
Mr Ó Muilleoir said: "I welcome Simon Hamilton breaking his silence on the issue of the sale of NAMA's northern loan portfolio.
"Hopefully this signals a willingness to help shed light on an important issue of public interest.
"There is a paper trail, which shows clearly that the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness was excluded from a number of meetings on the sale of NAMA's northern portfolio.
"There is also a so-called Memorandum of Understanding, which was sent to the Finance Minister in Dublin, which wasn't agreed or consented to by Martin McGuinness or brought before the Executive.
"Martin McGuinness appeared before the Finance Committee last week and referenced the conference call to Michael Noonan.
"Martin McGuinness has also agreed to appear before the Public Accounts Committee in Dublin.
"DUP Finance Ministers Simon Hamilton and Sammy Wilson have yet to agree to go in front of the committees to detail their meetings with Irish government ministers or detail any contact with PIMCO or Cerberus.
"We now know that PIMCO's bid included a £15 million fixers fee, and the Cerberus bid led to £7.5 million being lodged in a bank account in the Isle of Man.
"Simon Hamilton would have more credibility on the issue if he would agree to appear before the Assembly’s Finance Committee's inquiry into the events leading up to the sale as Martin McGuinness has done and as his own party leader has agreed to do."
(CD)
In a letter to committee chair Daithí McKay he said he is willing to give oral evidence on 14 October.
Loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson alleged that £7 million was lodged in a bank account in the Isle of Man and was earmarked for Mr Robinson and four other people.
Mr Robinson said the claims were "scurrilous and unfounded".
Sinn Féin MLA Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, who also sits on the Finance committee, has also called on former Finance Minister Simon Hamilton to appear before the committee.
Mr Ó Muilleoir said: "I welcome Simon Hamilton breaking his silence on the issue of the sale of NAMA's northern loan portfolio.
"Hopefully this signals a willingness to help shed light on an important issue of public interest.
"There is a paper trail, which shows clearly that the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness was excluded from a number of meetings on the sale of NAMA's northern portfolio.
"There is also a so-called Memorandum of Understanding, which was sent to the Finance Minister in Dublin, which wasn't agreed or consented to by Martin McGuinness or brought before the Executive.
"Martin McGuinness appeared before the Finance Committee last week and referenced the conference call to Michael Noonan.
"Martin McGuinness has also agreed to appear before the Public Accounts Committee in Dublin.
"DUP Finance Ministers Simon Hamilton and Sammy Wilson have yet to agree to go in front of the committees to detail their meetings with Irish government ministers or detail any contact with PIMCO or Cerberus.
"We now know that PIMCO's bid included a £15 million fixers fee, and the Cerberus bid led to £7.5 million being lodged in a bank account in the Isle of Man.
"Simon Hamilton would have more credibility on the issue if he would agree to appear before the Assembly’s Finance Committee's inquiry into the events leading up to the sale as Martin McGuinness has done and as his own party leader has agreed to do."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 September 2015
First Minister Called To Appear Before Finance Committee
The Finance Committee has agreed to invite First Minister Peter Robinson to appear before the inquiry to answer serious allegations about the sale of NAMA's northern loan book. Sinn Féin MLA and Finance Committee chair Daithí McKay said it is important openness and transparency are maintained during the inquiry.
First Minister Called To Appear Before Finance Committee
The Finance Committee has agreed to invite First Minister Peter Robinson to appear before the inquiry to answer serious allegations about the sale of NAMA's northern loan book. Sinn Féin MLA and Finance Committee chair Daithí McKay said it is important openness and transparency are maintained during the inquiry.
10 February 2011
Wilson Supported Over NICVA Budget Report
As the Stormont Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson said he would only look at raising taxes when the "recession is over" a DUP party colleague has been backing the Minister's stance. The Strangford MLA and Finance Committee Member Simon Hamilton also added his welcome for the publication of a critical overview of the Executive's recent Draft Budget.
Wilson Supported Over NICVA Budget Report
As the Stormont Finance Minister, Sammy Wilson said he would only look at raising taxes when the "recession is over" a DUP party colleague has been backing the Minister's stance. The Strangford MLA and Finance Committee Member Simon Hamilton also added his welcome for the publication of a critical overview of the Executive's recent Draft Budget.
01 October 2015
NAMA's Refusal To Appear Before Committee 'Regrettable' - McKay
The Irish National Assets Management Agency's (NAMA) refusal to appear before the Public Accounts Committee has been described as "regrettable" by Sinn Féin. Sinn Féin MLA and Assembly Finance Committee chair Daithí McKay was speaking after attending a meeting of the Dáil Public Accounts Committee.
NAMA's Refusal To Appear Before Committee 'Regrettable' - McKay
The Irish National Assets Management Agency's (NAMA) refusal to appear before the Public Accounts Committee has been described as "regrettable" by Sinn Féin. Sinn Féin MLA and Assembly Finance Committee chair Daithí McKay was speaking after attending a meeting of the Dáil Public Accounts Committee.
24 April 2024
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson And Wife Appear In Court
Former DUP Leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, have appeared before Newry Magistrates Court charged with a number of historical sex offences. Donaldson, 61, is facing a total of 11 charges, including one charge of rape, one of gross indecency involving a child and nine charges of indecent assault.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson And Wife Appear In Court
Former DUP Leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and his wife, Lady Eleanor Donaldson, have appeared before Newry Magistrates Court charged with a number of historical sex offences. Donaldson, 61, is facing a total of 11 charges, including one charge of rape, one of gross indecency involving a child and nine charges of indecent assault.
08 July 2015
Call For Law Society To Come Before Finance Committee Inquiry
The Law Society is being urged to co-operate with an inquiry into allegations made by Mick Wallace in the Dáil last week. Sinn Féin claims the public statements from the Law Society have "added to the confusion" surrounding the allegations.
Call For Law Society To Come Before Finance Committee Inquiry
The Law Society is being urged to co-operate with an inquiry into allegations made by Mick Wallace in the Dáil last week. Sinn Féin claims the public statements from the Law Society have "added to the confusion" surrounding the allegations.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A generally dry and bright day with some sunny spells. However, thicker cloud could give patchy rain at first near North Channel coasts, perhaps the odd shower breaking out in the west later in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:Any showers in the west soon dying out, dry for most with some clear spells. Showery outbreaks of rain could develop across parts of the south overnight. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
