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DUP MP Ian Paisley Jr keeps seat after surviving recall petition

Ian Paisley Jr has been was re-admitted to Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) aft...
Newstalk
Newstalk

06.56 20 Sep 2018


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DUP MP Ian Paisley Jr keeps se...

DUP MP Ian Paisley Jr keeps seat after surviving recall petition

Newstalk
Newstalk

06.56 20 Sep 2018


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Ian Paisley Jr has been was re-admitted to Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) after he was suspended in July.

His reinstatement comes just hours after a by-election was narrowly avoided, after a recall petition failed to reach the necessary threshold.

Some 9.4% of his constituents signed the petition, short of the 10% needed to force a by-election.

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The recall petition against Mr Paisley was the first in British parliamentary history.

The process was triggered over the DUP MP's failure to declare two luxury family holidays that were paid for by the Sri Lankan government.

He received a 30-day suspension from the House of Commons over the controversy.

A total of 7,099 voters signed the petition for a by-election over the last six weeks - less than 500 signatures short of the 7,540 required.

Mr Paisley thanked voters for their 'unwavering support'.

In a statement, he said: "In July, I apologised for a mistake made almost six years ago.

"The electorate was asked to pass judgement. 90.6% have accepted my apology. The electorate has clearly spoken."

North Antrim MP Ian Paisley Jr and DUP leader Arlene Foster are pictured in 2015 | Image: Liam McBurney/PA Archive/PA Images

He added: "I would like to thank my true friends, family, the electorate who have stood by me with unwavering support. Hallelujah."

The luxury holidays were originally reported by The Daily Telegraph which estimated their value at £100,000 (€112,000).

The DUP MP, however, claims the cost was closer to £50,000 (€56,000).

MPs in Westminster voted to suspend the North Antrim politician earlier this year after the Commons Standards Committee found that his actions amounted to "paid advocacy".

The report also warned that he had brought the House of Commons "into disrepute".

While the DUP said in a statement: "The internal processes surrounding these matters have been completed.

"On Tuesday 18th September Mr Paisley was readmitted to membership of the party following a suspension of 57 days and upon re-admission he is subject to a number of conditions including a ban on holding office within the party for 12 months."

Additional reporting: Mick Staines and Jack Quann


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