Paisley told to quit in wake of suspension

A Democratic Unionist MP is facing calls to quit after a watchdog recommended his suspension from the House of Commons for failing to register two family holidays funded by the Sri Lankan government.

Ian Paisley had already apologised for what he said was his “unintentional failure” to register the hospitality, which he estimated was worth £50,000.

Politicians from across the political divide in Northern Ireland have called on the high-profile MP to stand down.

The 30-day suspension recommended by a parliamentary watchdog on Wednesday could force Mr Paisley to face a byelection.

A by-election would be triggered if 10 per cent of the electorate in Mr Paisley’s North Antrim constituency sign that petition.

If rubber stamped by parliament, the suspension will also mean Prime Minister Theresa May will be shorn of one of the 10 DUP MPS propping up her minority government during a period that could see a number of crucial Brexit votes in the House of Commons.

Sinn Fein president Mary Lou Mcdonald said Mr Paisley should do the “honourable thing” and quit.