SUPPORT FOR THE victims of former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has been expressed across the Northern Ireland Assembly chamber.
Donaldson was blasted as an “evil sexual predator” in the institution he once served in, with widespread support for stripping him of his knighthood.
Donaldson was found guilty at Newry Crown Court of 18 historical sexual offences against two women when they were children.
The former Democratic Unionist Party leader, 63, was appointed to the Privy Council in 2007 and was recognised by the late British Queen Elizabeth II in her 2016 Birthday Honours and given a knighthood.
Sinn Féin MLA Emma Sheerin raised Donaldson’s conviction as a Matter Of The Day at the start of business in the Assembly on Tuesday morning.
Speaker Edwin Poots described a “matter of public importance” as he allowed the contributions from across the chamber.
Sheerin commended Donaldson’s victims “who have suffered more than any of us can comprehend” for their strength and dignity.
“Their resilience throughout this process has been nothing short of admirable, and I hope beyond hope that it gives other survivors the courage to come forward,” she told MLAs.
“How someone capable of such depravity could rise through the ranks of political office and retain the trust and confidence of so many for so long is hard to comprehend.
“No-one is above the law, and I hope all victims watching this unfold will take strength from that. Justice in this case was hard fought for and so deserved.”
DUP deputy leader Michelle McIlveen said it is now clear that her former party leader “led a double duplicitous life”.
“Our thoughts are first and foremost with those innocent victims whose lives were profoundly impacted by his vile and filthy behaviour. What they endured was wicked,” she said.
Removing knighthood
Current DUP leader Gavin Robinson was among senior unionists calling for Donaldson’s knighthood and membership of the Privy Council to be removed.
Ulster Unionist leader Jon Burrows also said all state honours previously bestowed on Donaldson should be removed “without delay”.
He said: “There is no rank, no title and no past office that places anyone above the law.
“Jeffrey Donaldson abused his power and betrayed everyone who ever placed their faith in him.
“He must now be stripped of all state honours without delay: no honour of the state should remain in the hands of a man convicted of crimes of this nature.”
Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister said he had tabled a motion in the House of Commons which would call on the prime minister to recommend to the British King Charles that Donaldson’s knighthood be removed.
Honours can be removed with the approval of the King after the advice and consideration of the Forfeiture Committee, which is convened under the Cabinet Office.
As honour recipients are expected to be good citizens and role models, honours can be removed from those found guilty of criminal offences or those who bring the honour system into disrepute.
The committee will consider cases in the wake of legal proceedings and anyone convicted for sexual offences will automatically be considered for forfeiture.
This process also applies for anyone found to have committed a sexual act following a trial of the facts.
There is no time restriction on offences the committee will consider.
The body’s recommendations for forfeiture are submitted through the Prime Minister to the King.
If the King gives his approval, a notice of forfeiture is usually published on the government website and placed in the London Gazette.
The cabinet office said those who have their honour removed are asked to return their insignia to Buckingham Palace and can no longer make any reference to their having an honour in the future.
This would include use of the honour post-nominals on websites, publications or business cards.