McGuinness attended Rome installation in official capacity, and at tax payers' expense
08 April 2008
Martin McGuinness attended the installation of Cardinal Brady in Rome in November 2007 in his official capacity as deputy First Minister, at the expense of the public purse and with the agreement of the First Minister.
Under a Freedom of Information request, MEP Jim Allister has been informed that McGuinness attended in this capacity as deputy First Minister, accompanied by a Special Adviser and a Private Secretary at a cost to the tax payer of £2460.
Commenting Mr Allister said: “By letter of the 5th October 2007 OFMDFM explicitly confirmed to me that “Any official engagements by either First Minister or deputy First Minister takes place with the knowledge and agreement of the other.” Thus, since McGuinness was representing OFMDFM and attended in Rome in his official capacity, it follows that it was with Ian Paisley’s agreement as First Minister.
“The use of tax payers’ money to pay not just for McGuinness, but also an entourage of Special Adviser and Private Secretary does not seem prudent or appropriate.”
ENDS
