#SpotlightNI travels to the Indian Ocean to investigate another luxury holiday taken by the North Antrim MP Ian Paisley. @lyndseytelford reporting. pic.twitter.com/fAYPZFqIgF
— BBC Spotlight NI (@BBCSpotlightNI) December 11, 2018
BBC Northern Ireland reports:
DUP MP Ian Paisley was given a complimentary holiday at a luxury Maldives resort months after advocating on behalf of its government.
BBC Spotlight obtained new evidence which suggested the visit was requested by the Maldivian government and facilitated by the resort owner, who had political links.
The programme examined whether the MP should have declared the trip in 2016.
He said he paid for part of the holiday and the rest was paid for by a friend.
The North Antrim MP did not reveal the identity of this friend. He said the friend was unconnected with his work and has received no benefit as a result of his work.
Paisley faces luxury Maldives holiday questions (BBC Northern Ireland)
Meanwhile…
Ian Paisley is on on the list to ask a question of the Secretary of State at NI Questions today. Starts at 11.30am.
— William Crawley (@williamcrawley) December 12, 2018
Eek.
Paisley faces luxury Maldives holiday questions (BBC Northern Ireland)
Previously: There Had Been Rumours
Ian paid for “part of the holiday”, as in, he gave a £1 tip to the limo driver for chauffeuring him around everywhere?
The rest was paid for by a “friend”? What friend? Aren’t MPs supposed to declare gifts, even if they’re from “friends”? Of course, by claiming he paid “part” of the holiday, that leaves the possibility the part paid by the “friend” was below the threshold.
Paisley should have been kicked out of the party and parliament six months ago.
My sympathies lie with the resort-owner in thinking this gift was to someone with political clout and influence.
Paisley is a busted flush.
He was DUPed
Very clever.
Is it not a bit rich for the BBC to send their NÍ correspondent out to the Maldives to report on it? Like they have correspondents everywhere. This just smacks of unnecessary travel to report on unnecessary travel.
what would Jesus do?
Go by sea, and walk.
Nice one clampers.
Open up a chain of temples and invite Paisley to cut the ribbon with a Bible reading party on the beach.
Old Testament obvs
“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Jesus has been running away from those nutcases for years.
Ulster says No!
Forever!
Ever loyal to the half-crown