SDLP leader Colum Eastwood
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MLA has responded to today’s revelation that Jamie Bryson was ‘coached’ by Sinn Fein MLA and Chairman of the Finance Committee Daithí McKay before giving evidence to the committee as part of their investigation into the controversial sale into the sale of NAMA’s Northern portfolio.
McKay fell on his own sword this afternoon and resigned an MLA saying he had made an “error or judgement”.
Now he has been suspended from the party which claims no one had any knowledge of his secret back door contact with loyalist blogger Bryson apart from McKay and his pal Thomas O’Hara, a Sinn Fein party member.
O’Hara helped to coach Bryson during a series of tweets unearthed today by The Irish News.
Colum Eastwood, the SDLP’s Foyle MLA said: “The seriousness of today’s revelations cannot and must not be underplayed.
“The investigation into alleged malpractice and corruption, involving the single biggest property deal in Irish history, is of critical importance to the confidence and accountability of our political institutions and to the North’s business community. Interference in that investigation only serves the purposes of those who are alleged to have corruptly benefitted from it.
“Sinn Féin don’t do lone wolves, they do scapegoats.
“Today’s statement of absolute denial by Martin McGuinness will therefore be naturally met with extreme scepticism.
“Our Joint First Minister also fails to understand that Daithí McKay falling or being pushed on to his sword will not make this problem go away for Sinn Féin. They have many more questions to answer.
“Here’s five to begin with:
“1. What other witnesses did Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay & Sinn Féin adviser Thomas O’Hara coach prior to their appearance at NAMA inquiry?
“2. Did the Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir receive any communication from either the Committee Chair Daithí McKay or Thomas O’Hara to ensure that Jamie Bryson’s evidence was heard in open session?
“3. Was the current Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir prepped in advance of Jamie Bryson’s choreographed appearance at the Stormont Finance Committee?
“4. Did Finance Minister Máirtín Ó Muilleoir receive any communication from McKay or O’Hara with regard to the appearance of any other witnesses?
“5. When was Joint First Minister Martin McGuinness made aware of these allegations and what precise steps did he take once he found out? How many members of Sinn Féin did he speak to?
“After 9 years of misrule from the DUP and Sinn Féin, it was thought public confidence in our institutions was at rock bottom. Today’s revelations will further erode the public’s faith.
“The SDLP will ensure that the effort to uncover the truth around NAMA is not derailed by Sinn Fein who have willingly endangered the integrity of this investigation through their contempt for democracy and accountability.”
