Alliance hits out at Poots and DCAL over unauthorised official statement

7.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 24th Apr 2007

Alliance Culture Arts and Leisure Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA

Alliance Culture Arts and Leisure Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has hit out the DUP's Edwin Poots for send out an official statement using government department resources before he has even become Culture Arts and Leisure Minister. Kieran McCarthy said that this move is disgraceful and flies in the face of the DUP's absurd strategy of delaying devolution by six weeks.

Kieran McCarthy MLA said: "I cannot believe that a DUP politician, who has not yet taken up the post of DCAL Minister is having statements being released from him by DCAL civil servants.

"This move is totally disgraceful. Statements should only be sent out from politicians by government officials from 8 May onwards.

"The public will no doubt feel confused and aggrieved that even though the DUP vehemently argued for this ridiculous six week devolution delay, they are still prepared to use departmental resources before it.

"We would like a full explanation as to why Edwin Poots and DCAL officials took it upon themselves to release this statement together. We need clarification on this issue because this is an unfair drain on public purse."

ENDS