Debate contribution: Homelessness: State Responsibility

Debate contribution by Mr Gordon Lyons on 15 June 2026.

MLA: Mr Gordon Lyons
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 15 June 2026
Type: Debate contribution (made as a minister)
Business: Oral Answers to Questions
Heading: Homelessness: State Responsibility
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5614215

Text

I absolutely acknowledge the role of the voluntary and community sector. We want to do everything that we can to make sure that that support is in place. We will look at that, as we do after every significant event, and ensure that we can improve on what has gone on in the past. The voluntary and community sector has its role to play. and the public sector has its role to play. However, we also need to focus on making sure that we deal with the violence that we see on our streets. That needs to come to an end. It is hypocritical of the Member to make some of the comments that he made about those who were involved in rioting, given that he is someone who gave a donation to the Minnesota freedom fund in 2020.
Let us look at his $20 donation that helped to bail out George Howard, who had been bailed out on a domestic assault charge and was arrested and later convicted of second-degree murder in a road rage shooting.
Christopher Boswell, a twice-convicted rapist, was released on bail and then faced new charges of kidnapping, assault and two cases of sexual assault.
Shawn Michael Tillman was bailed out on a misdemeanour, and, less than a month later, he murdered a man by shooting him multiple times. We are often frustrated by Mr Tennyson's hypocrisy. That is exactly what I am referring to.
The next time that he pontificates, maybe he should think about his own actions.
He says that he asked me a question. I furnished him with an answer, but I also took the opportunity to expose his hypocrisy, and I will continue to do so.

285 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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