NELSON McCausland's decision to stand firm in the face of continued criticism "brings the whole assembly into disrepute", one commentator said last night.
Historian and Irish News columnist Brian Feeney, pictured, said the DUP minister's position is "untenable" after he wrongly claimed that Housing Executive contractors were overpaid by £18 million.
Mr Feeney said the error was the latest of several mistakes made by Mr McCausland. Last month the social development committee found he had misled MLAs over a meeting with a DUP party donor.
Mr Feeney rejected Mr McCausland's claim that the committee was "partisan". "The only party which supported him was the DUP," Mr Feeney said. "If he were a minister anywhere else he would have to go, but he won't go."
Mr Feeney said the only way Mr McCausland would be forced to leave his post is if his own party does not support him. "It really brings the probity of ministers into question," he said. "They can be found guilty of various things and they don't do the honourable thing and and go. "They are held up to ridicule. It brings the whole assembly into disrepute."