Poots says he has ‘nothing to answer for’ over Donaldson concerns

By David Young, Press Association

Stormont Speaker Edwin Poots has said he has “nothing to answer for” over how he handled concerns from a woman about behaviour by Jeffrey Donaldson.

Poots also said he had asked the chief executive of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Lesley Hogg, to carry out an investigation into Donaldson’s behaviour when he was an MLA, and has urged the Westminster Speaker to do the same.

Alliance leader Naomi Long was among political leaders who called on Poots to make clear what he did with information related to a woman who came forward five years ago to claim Donaldson had exploited her.

The woman was not one of the complainants involved in the criminal prosecution of Jeffrey Donaldson for child sexual abuse.

Former North Antrim MP Ian Paisley, speaking to BBC Spotlight, said the woman who raised concerns with him about Donaldson’s alleged exploitative behaviour did not want to make a formal complaint.

But Paisley told the programme that he raised the matter with Mr Poots, who was then DUP leader.

Poots told Spotlight that in dealing with the issue, he at all times observed the wishes of the young woman.

The DUP has instigated a review of party processes in relation to allegations over inappropriate behaviour by Donaldson prior to his arrest in 2024.

Current leader Gavin Robinson has said “it is clear” there are former and current DUP members who had information about the conduct of Donaldson which was not forwarded to the appropriate party channels.

On Monday, Poots recused himself from presiding over an Assembly debate on issues related to Donaldson’s conduct.

He also did not involve himself in the decision on whether the matter of the day tabled by Sinn Féin would be accepted for debate.

But Poots later made a statement to MLAs when he referred to the issue raised by Spotlight.

He told MLAs: “When Jeffrey Donaldson and I were campaigning to be elected leader of the DUP in 2021, a party colleague brought to my attention that a young adult woman had brought to him the fact that Donaldson had showed her unwanted attention.

“There was nothing of a criminal or safeguarding nature raised.

“My colleague offered her support to take the matter forward as a complaint to several bodies which she declined.”

The Speaker added: “I have further asked the chief executive to conduct an investigation on behalf of this Assembly to ensure any member of staff or any other member that had any issues to raise will have the opportunity to do so.

“I would also call on the head of the civil service to do likewise given complaints have been raised in his role as junior minister about inappropriate behaviour.

“I would also encourage the Speaker of Westminster Sir Lindsay Hoyle to do likewise.”

Asked if the investigation would also look at his own actions, Mr Poots said: “I don’t have anything to answer for because I did not engage in any misbehaviour of any kind.

“This is an investigation which would allow potential victims of abuse by Jeffrey Donaldson to come forward.”

He added: “Let’s be very clear about this, this is about the paedophile Jeffrey Donaldson, nothing else.”

Long questioned whether Mr Poots should consider stepping aside while the issues are investigated.

“I think there is precedent in the past for people stepping aside for a short period of time whilst investigations into their conduct have taken place,” she said.

“It is a matter for Edwin Poots whether he decides to do so or not, and I’m sure he will take advice on that, but I think in terms of protecting the office of speaker and its integrity, it is something he should certainly be considering with his officials and with his colleagues in the party who put him in such a senior position.

“From my perspective, it is right that he has recused himself from decisions around this today. I think that is the proper and appropriate thing to do, but I do think he needs to reflect on whether it would be appropriate to stand aside while investigations are ongoing.”

First Minister and Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O’Neill urged Mr Poots to make clear what steps he took when he became aware of the woman’s concerns.

“We want the DUP to be forthcoming with all this information,” she said.

What I can say is that circumstances were raised last week that were not put through our appropriate channels. What individuals now say they know was not acted upon at a time when perhaps it could have been. We've commissioned a review for this purpose

“I think it’s really important that the Speaker steps forward and tells people very clearly what he knew. Did he fulfil his responsibilities in terms of safeguarding? I think at this moment in time there are still questions to be answered there. We will continue to ask those questions.”

Official opposition leader Matthew O’Toole said Mr Poots needed to provide “clarity and a clear explanation”.

“It is not enough simply to have a statement issued to a media organisation,” he said.

“There will need to be clarity around what processes were followed to satisfy public trust and the public, and to assure the public that proper processes were followed. I think that is important.”

TUV leader Jim Allister said: “I think it is important that the Speaker, not least because of his position, but because of the fact that it’s now on the record that he was given knowledge, he needs to explain what he did with that knowledge, and that is a searching question for him and for his party.”

Speaking to reporters on Monday morning, DUP leader Mr Robinson said he had not, by that stage, spoken to Mr Poots about the claims.

He added: “I’ll not be speculating as to why anybody may or may not have done anything. That is a part of a process that we have commissioned and I’m not going to interfere at this early stage in that.

“I think Edwin has been clear that he was operating on the information or the request of the alleged victim. I think he has said that.

“I think it is his place to indicate his position and a matter for the Assembly. I do not believe that people treat these issues dishonourably.

“What I can say is that circumstances were raised last week that were not put through our appropriate channels.

“What individuals now say they know was not acted upon at a time when perhaps it could have been. We’ve commissioned a review for this purpose.”