Stormont MLAs blast ‘evil sexual predator’ Donaldson

By Rebecca Black, Press Association

Support for the victims of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has been expressed across the Northern Ireland Assembly chamber.

Donaldson was blasted as an “evil sexual predator” in the institution he once served in, with widespread support for stripping him of his knighthood.

A day after Donaldson was convicted at Newry Crown Court of 18 sex offences, including one count of rape – against two women when they were children, Stormont was united in condemnation.

Sinn Féin MLA Emma Sheerin raised Donaldson’s conviction as a Matter Of The Day at the start of business in the Assembly on Tuesday morning.

Speaker Edwin Poots described a “matter of public importance” as he allowed the contributions from across the chamber.

Sheerin commended Donaldson’s victims “who have suffered more than any of us can comprehend” for their strength and dignity.

“Their resilience throughout this process has been nothing short of admirable, and I hope beyond hope that it gives other survivors the courage to come forward,” she told MLAs.

“How someone capable of such depravity could rise through the ranks of political office and retain the trust and confidence of so many for so long is hard to comprehend.

“No-one is above the law, and I hope all victims watching this unfold will take strength from that. Justice in this case was hard fought for and so deserved.”

DUP deputy leader Michelle McIlveen said it is now clear that her former party leader “led a double duplicitous life”.

“Our thoughts are first and foremost with those innocent victims whose lives were profoundly impacted by his vile and filthy behaviour. What they endured was wicked,” she said.

“Today we stand with those victims. We salute their courage, their resilience, and their determination to speak the truth.

“No-one is above the law. It does not matter how prominent the person may be, what position they hold or how much influence they possess. Everyone is equal before the law and equally subject to it.

“It is now clear beyond doubt that Jeffrey Donaldson led a double and duplicitous life. His lies and cover ups have now been exposed.”

She added: “We’re writing to the Forfeiture Committee, Cabinet Office asking that Jeffrey Donaldson be stripped of his knighthood and Privy Council titles, but today our thoughts remain with the victims, we pray that this verdict brings comfort as they move forward with their lives.”

DUP MLA Jonathan Buckley described his former party leader as an “evil sexual predator”, a “fraudulent monster”, “wicked deceiver” and a “convicted child abuser and rapist”, adding: “there is nothing more despicable”.

Alliance MLA Kate Nicholl also recognised the “extraordinary, remarkable bravery and courage of the two victims”.

“The verdict yesterday won’t undo the harm that was done to them but hopefully it sends a clear recognition that what happened was wrong, and that Jeffrey Donaldson will feel the full weight of the law,” she said.

“It’s a clear message that no one, regardless of what position you hold in society, is above the law.”

Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows said Donaldson’s victims “showed remarkable courage in giving the evidence they did and in taking this case to court”.

“They knew the level of scrutiny and public attention that this case would invoke and yet they gave evidence, they got justice and there is a powerful lesson in that for everyone in our country, right across these island,” he said.

“I do hope that if any good comes from this, it is that more victims will come forward against anyone who is a predator or sexual abuser.”

He added that Donaldson “stands in disgrace” and said he has also written to request he is stripped of his knighthood.

He also described Donaldson as having had the “audacity to wear a Christian symbol on his lapel as he walked into court”.

SDLP MLA Matthew O’Toole said Donaldson was convicted of “the most grave and depraved crimes that it is possible to imagine”.

“He stands not just shamed but convicted in the eyes of the law by a jury of his peers,” he said.

“On behalf of my party, I want to stand with and acknowledge the extraordinary courage and resilience of his victims.

“It’s important to acknowledge the work of the police officers and prosecutors who took this case forward and who got justice and accountability for his victims.

“I echo others who have highlighted the important work of organisations such as Nexus who offer support and signposting for people who have suffered abuse.”

He also expressed his support for Donaldson’s knighthood to be stripped.

“He stands in abject disgrace, he should feel the full force of the law,” he added.

TUV MLA Timothy Gaston said justice had been delivered “after years of the most wicked and depraved abuse”.

He hailed the courage and fortitude of Donaldson’s victims as “something we all need to acknowledge”.

“The light arising in the darkness is that the justice system delivered for victims,” he said.

“Donaldson. who was one of the most powerful people in, not just Northern Ireland, but he rose to the top of UK politics, an MP, a Knight, a Privy Counsellor. He was held accountable for the evil crimes he committed against children, and I trust they will find some form of closure on the back of yesterday’s verdict.”