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Political parties at Stormont are demanding complete clarity from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) regarding its safeguarding measures after former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson was convicted of multiple child sex offences. Donaldson was found guilty of 18 offences, including rape, against two women who were minors at the time of the abuse. A BBC Spotlight investigation has uncovered that allegations against Donaldson had been known to senior DUP figures as far back as five years ago, when a young woman reported being exploited by him.
In response to the allegations, the DUP announced on Friday that it has initiated an independent review to examine the safeguarding failures. Meanwhile, Sinn Féin has stated it will raise questions in the Northern Ireland Assembly during the final week before the summer recess. Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey said the investigation highlighted serious concerns about safeguarding within the DUP, noting that remarks from senior party members have further undermined public trust. She emphasized the need for “full transparency and accountability” and confirmed Sinn Féin’s intention to seek answers in the assembly.
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long also called for a “fully independent and external” inquiry to rebuild public confidence. She expressed grave concern that senior DUP figures and others in trusted positions were aware of troubling allegations against Donaldson before he became party leader. Long insisted on thorough disclosure of who knew what, when, and whether proper safeguarding procedures were followed, stating, “Public confidence cannot be restored through internal party processes alone. Only a genuinely independent investigation can establish the full facts.”
The revelations have plunged the DUP into deep turmoil. Wallace Thompson, a founding DUP member, reflected on how the party—rooted in high moral standards established by founder Ian Paisley—now faces an enormous challenge to uphold those values. Thompson described the situation as a “monumental task” and likened the political fallout to a “nuclear explosion.” Further reports revealed that just before Donaldson became DUP leader in 2021, then-North Antrim MP Ian Paisley (the younger) had been informed by a young woman about exploitation by Donaldson but was told no formal complaint would be made. Paisley communicated this to Edwin Poots, then leader of the party, who said they respected the young woman’s wishes. Naomi Long has called on Poots, now Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, to provide a full explanation of his knowledge about these allegations.
SDLP leader Claire Hanna described the situation as a “watershed moment” for politics in Northern Ireland. She criticized the apparent prioritization of electoral advantage over safeguarding and highlighted the “nauseating hypocrisy” uncovered by media reporting. She underscored the urgent need for reforms that had been delayed despite the widespread knowledge of Donaldson’s behaviour. The DUP stated it acted promptly after Donaldson was charged in 2024 and reiterated its commitment to the rule of law. Party leaders including Gavin Robinson, Michelle McIlveen, and the party chairman expressed deep concern over allegations of inappropriate behaviour and indicated some knowledge may not have been reported appropriately. Further details about the ongoing independent review are expected soon
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