SF Minister faces probe over IRA consultation

A Sinn Féin minister in the Stormont Executive was tonight facing a probe into whether he breached his ministerial code by consulting with the IRA over the murder of a Northern Ireland man.

Assembly authorities were asked by Democratic Unionist Mervyn Storey to consider whether Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy breached his pledge of office by making contact with the IRA.

The request came after Assembly members passed a motion condemning the murder last October of 21-year-old South Armagh man Paul Quinn.

Mr Quinn was lured over the border to isolated farm buildings in Co Monaghan, where he was beaten to death by a gang.

The Quinn family, who watched today’s debate in the public gallery, have alleged that members of the Provisional IRA were involved – a claim which has been strenuously denied by Mr Murphy and his Sinn Féin colleagues.

Mr Storey asked Deputy Speaker John Dallat: “Given that this Executive minister, we believe, has met with an outlawed, illegal terrorist organisation which is in direct opposition to the legitimate security forces of this state, and given that that minister in question knew that to be the case before he met with them, and given that he went to discuss with that illegal terrorist organisation their possible involvement in this brutal murder, can I ask you either for a ruling on the possible breach of the ministerial code and pledge of office and would you take this matter to the Speaker as a matter of urgency so that a full report can be given to the House on this particular matter?

Mr Dallat told the DUP Assembly member his query had been noted and he had no doubt the Assembly Speaker would report back.