EASTWOOD CALLS FOR ALL-ISLAND COMMISSION FOLLOWING FURTHER NAMA REVELATIONS

September 7, 2016

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has commented on the revelations broadcast by BBC Spotlight on Tuesday night.

The programme unveiled secret recordings alleging a circle of corruption involving the sale of the Nama property portfolio in Northern Ireland.

Businessman Frank Cushnahan was recorded receiving £40,000 in cash from a property developer whose portfolio was in the hands of Nama.

Cushnahan was arrested several months ago by officers from the National Crime Agency.

He denies any wrongdoing.

The Foyle MLA said: “The revelations in the Spotlight programme allege a circle of corruption involving certain individuals in the business community, some of whom had links to government figures.

“There must be an immediate and comprehensive investigation through whichever avenue has the best chance of achieving truth, transparency and justice.

“An all-island Commission of Investigation is now required so that the full extent of these allegations can be understood and acted upon.

“The border cannot be allowed to block the path of justice.

“The DUP have some serious work to do in order to the remove the perception that the programme presented.

“That requires urgent answers from the former First Minister Peter Robinson and Sammy Wilson.

“It equally requires immediate clarity regarding their roles from current First Minister Arlene Foster. The ‘hush hush’ must now end.

“There are also questions for Sinn Féin. Where were they when all of this was going on? There appear only two possibilities – they were either negligent or they were silent.

“The necessary complexities which the programme attempted to filter through should not distract from one simple fact – this was the alleged corruption of the biggest property sale in Irish history.

“We shouldn’t lose sight that this was a £1.2 billion deal.

“If allegations of this scale are not fully and thoroughly dealt with, then proper justice and public confidence will be the ultimate victims.”

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EASTWOOD CALLS FOR ALL-ISLAND COMMISSION FOLLOWING FURTHER NAMA REVELATIONS

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has commented on the revelations broadcast by BBC Spotlight on Tuesday night.

The programme unveiled secret recordings alleging a circle of corruption involving the sale of the Nama property portfolio in Northern Ireland.

“There must be an immediate and comprehensive investigation through whichever avenue has the best chance of achieving truth, transparency and justice.

“An all-island Commission of Investigation is now required so that the full extent of these allegations can be understood and acted upon.

“The border cannot be allowed to block the path of justice.

“The DUP have some serious work to do in order to the remove the perception that the programme presented.

“That requires urgent answers from the former First Minister Peter Robinson and Sammy Wilson.

“It equally requires immediate clarity regarding their roles from current First Minister Arlene Foster. The ‘hush hush’ must now end.

“There are also questions for Sinn Féin. Where were they when all of this was going on? There appear only two possibilities – they were either negligent or they were silent.

“The necessary complexities which the programme attempted to filter through should not distract from one simple fact – this was the alleged corruption of the biggest property sale in Irish history.

“We shouldn’t lose sight that this was a £1.2 billion deal.

“If allegations of this scale are not fully and thoroughly dealt with, then proper justice and public confidence will be the ultimate victims.”

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