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Northern Ireland Assembly recalled after BBC Spotlight allegations Northern Ireland Assembly recalled after BBC Spotlight allegations
(35 minutes later)
A Sinn Fein MLA has asked the DUP if two firms at the centre of allegations of political interference in the Housing Executive were party donors.
Caitriona Ruane told a debate in the recalled assembly there was no place for "a brown envelope culture".
TUV leader Jim Allister said the social development minister misled the assembly and the relevant committee.
DUP leader Peter Robinson repeatedly asked Mr Allister if he wanted to declare a conflict of interest.
He then directly asking whether he had been "begging" for money from contractors. Mr Allister denied the allegation.
Mr Allister asked social development minister Nelson McCausland: "Have you no shame that you would use your position in office to promote a commercial interest" with someone who he alleged was "a political buddy."
A special sitting of the Northern Ireland Assembly is being held to allow MLAs to discuss allegations made in a BBC NI Spotlight programme.A special sitting of the Northern Ireland Assembly is being held to allow MLAs to discuss allegations made in a BBC NI Spotlight programme.
The programme, broadcast last week, alleged there had been political interference in the running of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.The programme, broadcast last week, alleged there had been political interference in the running of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland denies the allegations.Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland denies the allegations.
The Social Development Committee at Stormont has agreed to set up an inquiry.The Social Development Committee at Stormont has agreed to set up an inquiry.
Sinn Féin MLA Catriona Ruane who moved the motion called for Nelson McCausland to step down while an investigation is carried out into allegations of political interference.Sinn Féin MLA Catriona Ruane who moved the motion called for Nelson McCausland to step down while an investigation is carried out into allegations of political interference.
Ms Ruane also asked if double glazing contractor, Trevor Turkington or Red Sky were DUP party donors, adding, "there is no place for a brown envelope culture," in the Northern Ireland Assembly.Ms Ruane also asked if double glazing contractor, Trevor Turkington or Red Sky were DUP party donors, adding, "there is no place for a brown envelope culture," in the Northern Ireland Assembly.
DUP MLA, east Londonderry MLA, Gregory Campbell, described the BBC Spotlight investigation as "absolutely scandalous."DUP MLA, east Londonderry MLA, Gregory Campbell, described the BBC Spotlight investigation as "absolutely scandalous."
The assembly was recalled after a number of parties said they wanted to discuss the issue.The assembly was recalled after a number of parties said they wanted to discuss the issue.
The programme contained an interview with Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) councillor and Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) board member, Jenny Palmer, who said she was put under pressure by her party to change her vote at a Housing Executive board meeting.The programme contained an interview with Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) councillor and Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) board member, Jenny Palmer, who said she was put under pressure by her party to change her vote at a Housing Executive board meeting.
Mr McCausland, who is also a member of the DUP, has denied that his special adviser, Stephen Brimstone, had telephoned Ms Palmer at his request.Mr McCausland, who is also a member of the DUP, has denied that his special adviser, Stephen Brimstone, had telephoned Ms Palmer at his request.
The DUP has introduced a blocking mechanism called a petition of concern which means any move to censure Mr McCausland is doomed to failure.The DUP has introduced a blocking mechanism called a petition of concern which means any move to censure Mr McCausland is doomed to failure.
That move has been condemned by other parties in the assembly.That move has been condemned by other parties in the assembly.
Mr McCausland has said he has no intention of standing down and would not step aside as social development minister during the inquiry.Mr McCausland has said he has no intention of standing down and would not step aside as social development minister during the inquiry.
He denies he had ever sought to influence the awarding of contracts.He denies he had ever sought to influence the awarding of contracts.
The minister told the BBC NI's The View on Thursday that he had been vindicated "time and time again".The minister told the BBC NI's The View on Thursday that he had been vindicated "time and time again".