Stormont Committee Chair Denies Misleading Members Over Text Messages
In a recent meeting of the Executive Office Committee at Stormont, tensions ran high as TUV member Timothy Gaston clashed with chairwoman Paula Bradshaw over text messages exchanged between her and First Minister Michelle O’Neill. The row erupted as Mr. Gaston persistently raised concerns, leading to him being dubbed “Inspector Clouseau” by fellow members.
Text Message Controversy Unfolds Before Committee
The crux of the issue revolves around a meeting between Ms. Bradshaw and Ms. O’Neill prior to the First Minister’s appearance before the scrutiny committee in October. Ms. O’Neill, facing questions about a series of controversies surrounding Sinn Fein, repeatedly declined to address certain inquiries, citing limitations within the Executive Office’s scope of discussion.
A Freedom of Information request revealed that Ms. O’Neill had reached out to Ms. Bradshaw via phone and text messages seeking clarity on the upcoming committee session. Despite Ms. Bradshaw’s agreement to ensure a constructive appearance, Mr. Gaston accused her of misleading the committee by failing to disclose these communications.
Tensions Escalate as Accusations Fly
Mr. Gaston’s persistence in pursuing the issue led to a heated exchange during the committee meeting, where he accused Ms. Bradshaw of concealing her correspondence with the First Minister. In response, Ms. Bradshaw clarified that she had acknowledged the messages and opted for official channels to arrange the meeting, dismissing allegations of misconduct.
Sinn Fein MLA Caral Ni Chuilin criticized Mr. Gaston’s line of questioning as inappropriate, urging a swift resolution to the dispute to avoid further disruption to the committee’s proceedings. Despite attempts to calm the situation, Mr. Gaston continued to press Ms. Bradshaw for transparency, leading to an abrupt end to the meeting.
Calls for Resolution Amidst Committee Disruption
As the standoff persisted, SDLP MLA Sinead McLaughlin emphasized the need to move past the impasse, highlighting the lack of restrictions on committee members engaging with ministers. Expressing frustration over the prolonged dispute, Ms. McLaughlin urged for a resolution to prevent further disruptions and restore focus on the committee’s work.
In the midst of conflicting accounts and mounting tensions, the Executive Office Committee faced a critical juncture in addressing the fallout from the text message controversy. As members grappled with accusations and counterclaims, the need for transparency and constructive dialogue emerged as essential to navigating the turbulent political landscape at Stormont.
