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:Mostly dry Tuesday but a chance of showers at times. Cloudier at first, but a chance of sunny spells breaking out through the day. Winds turning lighter. More cloud building before sunset. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Cloud and outbreaks of rain spread north through the evening and overnight, perhaps some drier and clearer spells developing in western counties around dawn. Minimum temperature 6 °C.