DUP Minister's last act is to enrich Quango chief
11 May 2011
Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister MLA:-
"In these times of austerity and when the pay of low paid public servants is being frozen, I am astounded that the Chief Executive of Invest NI, who already earns a huge salary, has been gifted a £36,000 bonus - despite unemployment continuing to rise under his watch. Having sought to cover up what was going on, it has now emerged that last Thursday, 5th May, on her last day in office the outgoing DETI Minister Arlene Foster, approved the pay out. Mrs Foster needs to explain why she made the enrichment of an already highly paid official, who previously was a hand-picked DUP Special Adviser, her last act in office and why the approval was concealed from the electorate till the election was over.
"The extent of Mr Hamilton's pay as a DUP Special Adviser(2007-08) has never been disclosed but, rather, has been carefully concealed from the public. It is time that too was revealed.
"I look forward to exploring this issue further within the Assembly."
