Debate contribution: Jeffrey Donaldson: Further Revelations
Debate contribution by Mr Robbie Butler on .
- MLA
- Mr Robbie Butler
- Party at the time
- Ulster Unionist Party
- Date
- 29 June 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Matter of the Day
- Heading
- Jeffrey Donaldson: Further Revelations
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5644536
Read the official Assembly record
Text
This has to be one of the most difficult topics that any of us will ever speak on because we have to be incredibly careful with our words so that we do not deflect from the pain and horror that was inflicted on the victims in this case, and in every case of sexual violence against women, girls and boys. After last week's judgement on Jeffrey Donaldson and the horrific acts for which he was found guilty, we must consider recent revelations about inappropriate behaviour and the way that concerns were raised and handled, and the questions that were asked and, perhaps, brushed aside. That does not reside only with other political parties, however. It concerns how the PSNI acted, how things happened in Westminster and how the statutory agencies and counselling services, whether faith-based or not, reacted. Why is that important? It is important because we must not revisit the issue in the House. It is a stain on every political party. First, at every juncture, our focus must be on the victims, who are actually survivors. They deserve to be heard, supported and taken seriously from the moment they raise concerns. Secondly, we need accountability. When warnings or complaints are made, the public deserves to know how they were handled and whether the processes were fit for purpose. If they were not, we all must learn from that. Thirdly, this is about safeguarding. No organisation, including political parties, should treat safeguarding as optional. That should also be the case in a church or other faith setting, and I say that as a person of faith. Those should be places where children and adults are most safe and secure. Procedures must be clear, enforced and acted on without delay. Fourthly, public trust is at stake. Confidence in our institutions depends on transparency and the principle that no one is above scrutiny, regardless of position or status. At times, the rank hypocrisy in this place is nauseating, and it has been nauseating to many victims over decades. Finally, we must recognise the need for culture change, whereby inappropriate behaviour is challenged early, whistle-blowers are protected and silence or deference to power is never allowed to override integrity. That is what rebuilding trust requires: truth, accountability and a system that puts people before reputation. I say one thing in response to Miss Hargey: Mr Donaldson was not the leader of unionism; he did not lead my party.
406 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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