RHI Scandal: DUP Rejects Claims Made By Jonathan Bell

Former DUP MLA Jonathan Bell claims he was prevented from challenging the botched Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme because two special advisers have "extensive interest" in the poultry industry.

Mr Bell was speaking in the Assembly on Monday, 16 January. He was recently suspended by the DUP for speaking to the media about the RHI scheme.

His claims were made under parliamentary privilege.

Mr Bell said: "The very first piece of information given to me in a ministerial office, by DUP party officer appointed special adviser Timothy Cairns, was that you will not be allowed to reduce the tariff on this scheme because Timothy Johnston, special adviser to the then First Minister, and John Robinson, at that time director of communications to the DUP and now the special adviser to the economy minister, had such extensive interests in the poultry industry."

The DUP has rejected the claims and described them as "outrageous".

A DUP statement said: "Following unsubstantiated allegations made by Jonathan Bell in the Assembly chamber under the cover of privilege, we wish to point out that:

"1. Timothy Johnston has no interests whatsoever in the poultry industry and does not benefit or have any family members who applied to or benefit from RHI.

"2. John Robinson has no personal interest in the poultry industry. His family home farm have chicken houses but are not part of the RHI scheme and never have been recipients or applicants."

(CD)