Poots, not taxpayer must bear High Court costs - Allister
09 November 2010
Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
"I note Mr Poots' climbdown in the High Court, but since the controversy and resulting cost to the taxpayer was entirely of his own making, I would call upon him to personally pay the costs awarded against the Department rather than the taxpayer.
"There also is the interesting scenario of how a Department headed by a Minister can make valid decisions otherwise than through the Minister who is charged in planning legislation with various determinative responsibilities.
"Mr Poots' behaviour has not only put the Department in a difficult and unnecessary position, but he should not now expect the taxpayer to pay for his faux pas."
