A Sinn Féin minister in the Stormont Executive is facing an investigation into whether he breached his ministerial code by consulting with the IRA over the murder of Armagh man Paul Quinn.
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 an SDLP motion condemning the murder last October of the 21-year-old. 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 for a ruling on the possible breach of the ministerial code and pledge of office in the event that Mr Murphy had met with the IRA which he described as "an outlawed, illegal terrorist organisation which is in direct opposition to the legitimate security forces of this state". Mr Storey also as Mr Dallat if he would raise the matter with 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.