DUP still intend to report SF ex-MLA to police

The DUP has insisted that the party still intends to refer Sinn Fein ex-MLA Daithi McKay to the police, despite having not done so over the past several days.
Ex-Sinn Fein MLA Daithi McKayEx-Sinn Fein MLA Daithi McKay
Ex-Sinn Fein MLA Daithi McKay

Mr McKay stood down and apologised last week for his “inappropriate” conduct after it was revealed he had secretly been in contact with loyalist campaigner Jamie Bryson before his appearance as a witness at Stormont’s Nama inquiry last year – an inquiry which Mr McKay was himself leading.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the PSNI had still received no complaint about him, five working days after the scandal erupted.

DUP chairman Lord Morrow had said last Thursday he would be “referring the matter to the PSNI for investigation”.

Sinn Fein's Philip McGuiganSinn Fein's Philip McGuigan
Sinn Fein's Philip McGuigan

Although Lord morrow did not mention the specific reason why he believed the matter may be of interest to police, TUV leader Jim Allister – a qualified barrister – had suggested that “any allegation to the PSNI of misfeasance in public office by MLA McKay must be rigorously examined”.

Asked on Wednesday about the fact no complaint had been made, the DUP said: “As indicated last week by the party chairman we believe this matter should be investigated by the police.

“In addition to referring this to the Standards Commissioner, it is being referred to the PSNI.”

DUP MLA Emma Pengelly currently chairs the finance committee, which was in charge of the probe into the huge Nama property deal.

Sinn Fein's Philip McGuiganSinn Fein's Philip McGuigan
Sinn Fein's Philip McGuigan

Asked what will happen with the as-yet unfinished investigation into the Nama affair, a DUP spokesperson said: “That’s a matter for the finance committee to determine and they will have legal advice in that regard.”