Northern Ireland

Investigate undeclared Sinn Féin trips to Venezuela urges DUP

Gregory Campbell raised the issue in the House of Commons
Gregory Campbell raised the issue in the House of Commons Gregory Campbell raised the issue in the House of Commons

THE DUP has urged an investigation into the failure of Sinn Féin MPs to declare trips to Venezuela.

It was reported that visits by Mickey Brady and Chris Hazzard were not registered.

DUP MP Gregory Campbell yesterday raised the issue in the House of Commons.

He asked deputy speaker Rosie Winterton to clarify if non-sitting Sinn Féin members could face sanctions.

Ms Winterton said: “I can confirm that the requirement to register financial interests applies equally to members who have not taken their seats as it does to members who have done so.”

Speaking afterwards, Mr Campbell said not taking a seat did not exempt Sinn Féin from parliamentary standards and rules.

“The do as I say, not as I do policy continues and the irony is not lost,” he said. 

“I have made the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner aware and have asked for an investigation to take place on this matter.”

“The Standards Commission needs to investigate why these trips were not declared. 

“This issue poses yet more questions for the Sinn Féin leadership to deal with.”

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has staunchly defended her party’s backing of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro despite civil unrest in the country.

The party has been heavily criticised for sending representatives to Mr Maduro’s inauguration.