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19/07/2018
Ian Paisley Apologises Over Breaching Parliamentary Rules
DUP MP Ian Paisley has issued an emotional apology after he breached parliamentary rules.
Political parties are urging him to step down after he failed to register two family holidays which were funded by the Sri Lankan government in 2013.
He faces the prospect of a 30 day suspension from the House of Commons.
Speaking in the Commons he said it was with "profound personal regret and deep personal embarrassment" that he had to make a statement.
He also denied any "ulterior motive" and said it was a "genuine mistake".
He continued: "I take my duties as a Member of Parliament seriously.
"I believe I conduct myself with colleagues with integrity, with openness, and that is why I have such remorse about the matter as I believe it goes against the grain of who I am – especially how it is portrayed.
"It is to my constituents, who have sent me here since 2010, that I make the profoundest of all apologies.
"They have honoured me with unwavering support to be their voice and I hope they will continue to have that confidence in me in the future."
The recommendation to suspend Mr Paisley will now go before the House of Commons next Tuesday, 24 July, for approval, in the form of a motion.
If approved Mr Paisley's suspension will begin on 04 September.
The sanction could see Mr Paisley face a by-election.
(CD)
Political parties are urging him to step down after he failed to register two family holidays which were funded by the Sri Lankan government in 2013.
He faces the prospect of a 30 day suspension from the House of Commons.
Speaking in the Commons he said it was with "profound personal regret and deep personal embarrassment" that he had to make a statement.
He also denied any "ulterior motive" and said it was a "genuine mistake".
He continued: "I take my duties as a Member of Parliament seriously.
"I believe I conduct myself with colleagues with integrity, with openness, and that is why I have such remorse about the matter as I believe it goes against the grain of who I am – especially how it is portrayed.
"It is to my constituents, who have sent me here since 2010, that I make the profoundest of all apologies.
"They have honoured me with unwavering support to be their voice and I hope they will continue to have that confidence in me in the future."
The recommendation to suspend Mr Paisley will now go before the House of Commons next Tuesday, 24 July, for approval, in the form of a motion.
If approved Mr Paisley's suspension will begin on 04 September.
The sanction could see Mr Paisley face a by-election.
(CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry and sunny start but cloud bubbling up with a few showers developing from late morning. Becoming dry and sunny along the east coast in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Showers gradually die out to leave good clear spells in the evening and overnight. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
