Ian Paisley Jr faces calls to abandon more than $ 56,000 Sri Lankan vacation

The Democratic Deputy Unionist Ian Paisley is expected to resign after a watchdog had recommended his suspension in the House of Commons for failing to register two family holidays funded by the Sri Lankan government.

million. Paisley had already been excused for what he had said was his "unintentional failure" to register hospitality, which he estimated was worth £ 50,000 (€ 56,000).

Politicians on the other side of the political border in Northern Ireland called the high profile MP to withdraw.

The 30-day suspension recommended yesterday by a parliamentary oversight body could force Mr. Paisley to face a by-election.

Members who are suspended in the House of Commons for more than 10 days are open to a petition of revocation. A by-election would be triggered if 10pc of the electorate in Mr. Paisley's North Antrim constituency sign this petition.

If it is stamped by parliament, the suspension will also mean that Prime Minister Theresa May will be stripped of one of the 10 deputies of the DUP supporting her minority government for a period that could see a number of crucial votes for Brexit in the House. Communal room.

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald said Mr. Paisley should do the "honorable thing" and resign. "I think the charges against him and the findings against him are very serious," she said.

The SDLP stated that Mr. Paisley's position was "unsustainable" and that he would seek a dismissal to remove him from Westminster.

Jim Allister, leader of the Traditional Unionist Voices Party, called on Mr. Paisley to repay the Sri Lankan government. the money that he spent to welcome him, accusing the deputy of "serious and shameful violations" of the parliament's code of conduct.

A DUP spokesman said the party had noted the report of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Mr. Paisley, adding, "These issues will now be reviewed by the party officers."

Irish Independent