Ritchie Questions British Government On NAMA Scandal

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie (SDLP) has questioned the British Government on its knowledge and assessment of the scandal surrounding the sale of the NAMA Northern Ireland development portfolio.

She said:xa0“I have tabled a number of questions to the Secretary of State and the British Chancellor seeking answers about the sale of the NAMA Northern Ireland development portfolio.

“In the interests of transparency, the public deserves to know what discussions the British Government has had with the First Minister and the deputy First Minister on the impact of the sale of the portfolio to Cerberus. “I have also asked the Chancellor to reveal how much tax was paid by Tughan’s solicitors in respect of the £7 million in fees received for work on the Cerberus acquisition of the portfolio. Given the shadowy nature of this entire episode, we must be confident that all rules have been complied with. “I will continue to pursue the British Government on their knowledge of this scandal and will work with colleagues in the Assembly to drill down to get the truth of the matter.”

Down News understands that the PSNI is to move forward with a criminal investigation into the sale of the Northern Ireland portfolio of £1.3billion to Cerberus, a US based investment company. It is believed that £7million was uncovered in an offshore bank account last week associated with Northern Ireland political parties and figures.

This issue has rocked the corridors of power in the Dail and in Stormont and does not look as though it will go away.

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