Deputy Speaker Of Assembly Resigns

The deputy speaker of the NI Assembly, Sinn Fein's Caitríona Ruane, has resigned from the role.

She kept her post as principal deputy speaker, which has a salary of £55,000, despite the assembly not functioning.

TUV leader Jim Allister brought the issue to light and called for her to resign.

He said: "So, has Ms Ruane continued to be paid? If so, then, this is an even more scandalous situation. Moreover, did she receive a resettlement payment upon not standing for re-election (6 mths pay)?

"I am calling on Ms Ruane to resign forthwith and repay any remuneration received as Principal Deputy Speaker since the election .

"Both Mr Newton and Ms Ruane have the facility to resign, but neither have chosen to do so, even though, in the case of Ms Ruane she isn’t even an MLA any longer. As with so much, it could only happen in Stormont."

However, Ms Ruane said she had donated her salary to charities and community groups.

She said: "I never anticipated that the election of a new speaker and deputy speaker would be so protracted and I have come to the conclusion that now is the time to tender my resignation."

(CD)