TUV leader hits out at Ruane’s selection

TUV leader hits out at Ruane’s selection

18 May 2016

THE appointment of Sinn Fein South Down MLA Caitriona Ruane as the Assembly’s new principal deputy speaker has been criticised by TUV leader Jim Allister.

Ms Ruane — who was recently elected to serve her fourth Assembly term — was appointed to her new role last week and will act as DUP MLA Robin Newton’s deputy.

Mr Allister described the position of principal deputy speaker as a “fictional post” and that it was created in 2011 as a “sop to those with a penchant for titles.”

The TUV leader continued: “Those who, in a previous life, enjoyed various commanding titles felt the need to be appointed as principal deputy speaker, even though it is a post without substance. This is an office created as part of the demonstration of the trappings of office and control freakery of Sinn Féin and the DUP. 

“The person proposed for it has to be the most unsuitable person; a totally divisive figure in this House, a disaster when she was Education Minister and someone who continues to bring division to everyone and everything she touches.”

Mr Allister continued: “She is someone whose own claim to fame is probably most infamously that of matron of the Colombia three. To suggest that such a person should be elevated to the post of principal deputy speaker is an insult to the many victims of the IRA, an organisation whose volunteers she still defends to this day.”

In response, Ms Ruane said she was “honoured” to be elected as principal deputy speaker and will carry out the duties of the office in a spirit of “respect, inclusivity and fairness,” following in the footsteps of her party colleague and former speaker, Mitchel McLaughlin. 

The South Down MLA added: “Jim Allister’s bluster around my appointment is nothing but the usual ranting from a leader on the back of yet another disastrous election whose only achievement has been to take his party to the verge of political oblivion. 

“I have been entrusted with this position and I look forward to carrying out duties in the chamber to promote and facilitate debate in a respectful and inclusive manner.”