She has said that only a fully independent, external review can restore confidence.

Mrs Long has said: “Our thoughts remain first and foremost with the victims whose courage has brought these matters to light. Nothing should distract from the abuse they endured or the bravery it took to come forward.

“The allegations that senior figures within the DUP, and others in positions of trust, were aware of serious concerns about Jeffrey Donaldson before he became party leader are profoundly serious. While it must always be for victims themselves to decide whether to report matters to the police, that does not absolve others of safeguarding responsibilities.

"Too often, institutions seek to protect themselves rather than vulnerable people, and that culture must change.

“There must be full transparency around who knew what and when, what action was taken, and whether appropriate safeguarding procedures were followed. Public confidence cannot be restored through internal party processes alone. Only a genuinely independent investigation can establish the full facts.

"As holder of one of the highest political offices in Northern Ireland, in which the public and Assembly must have full confidence, it’s imperative that Edwin Poots provides a full account of his knowledge of these matters.

“BBC Spotlight also raises concerns about disclosures made to individuals in pastoral and faith-based settings. Where vulnerable people disclose abuse or exploitation, there must be clear safeguarding standards and accountability. Stronger regulation of faith-based counselling is now clearly needed.

“Also, we must not allow these events to reinforce false and harmful associations between homosexuality and sexual offending. Jeffrey Donaldson’s sexuality is entirely separate from allegations of abuse. Nor should we ignore the damage caused by decades of homophobic, hostile and puritanical rhetoric directed towards LGBTQ+ people by senior DUP members. That legacy requires not just an apology, but genuine recognition and a fundamental change of approach.

“This must not become a political point-scoring exercise, either from political opponents or those exploiting the opportunity to settle old scores. The focus must remain on victims and on ensuring that anyone entrusted with safeguarding vulnerable people is held accountable for the actions they took, or failed to take. That is how confidence will be rebuilt and how future victims will be protected.”