Edwin Poots denies protecting convicted DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson

Stormont Speaker Edwin Poots told the Northern Ireland Assembly that he would never have protected former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson, who was recently convicted of 18 child‑sex offences, including rape. Poots said a “number of people within the DUP” were aware of concerns raised by a woman about Donaldson’s behaviour, but asserted there was no evidence of wrongdoing on his part.

Sinn Féin and other parties have called for Poots to stand aside while the DUP conducts an independent review of the matter. Poots rejected the allegations, saying he had done nothing wrong and would be cleared of any accusations.