Northern Ireland

NIO will 'continue to monitor' the situation regarding absence of standards commissioner

DUP MLA Trevor Clarke with his wife, party councillor Linda Clarke
DUP MLA Trevor Clarke with his wife, party councillor Linda Clarke DUP MLA Trevor Clarke with his wife, party councillor Linda Clarke

THE Northern Ireland Office (NIO) last night said it would "continue to monitor" the situation regarding the absence of a standards commissioner to investigate complaints against MLAs.

It comes after the DUP's Trevor and Linda Clarke said they will refer themselves for investigation over conflict of interest concerns within the planning process.

An Irish News investigation this week revealed South Antrim MLA Mr Clarke is running a sideline business lobbying on behalf of planning applicants.

A spokesman on their behalf said: "Trevor and Linda Clarke will be asking the respective ombudsmen to investigate this matter. They will work with any statutory investigation to prove they made all the relevant declarations and adhered to all rules."

However, the collapse of the Stormont Executive more than two years ago means there is no standards commissioner in post to investigate complaints against MLAs.

But an NIO spokesperson last night said it was "committed to taking steps to ensure good governance and stable public services".

"The government's absolute priority remains the restoration of the NI Executive at the earliest opportunity," he said.

"The Secretary of State is determined to use the genuine but narrow window of opportunity to do everything he can to restore the institutions, so that important matters such as these can be addressed by locally elected representatives.

"In the interim, the government is committed to taking steps to ensure good governance and stable public services in the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland.

"Officials will continue to monitor this situation. Should it prove necessary, further consideration will be given to the need and appropriate timing of any necessary legislative intervention."