McGuinness has ‘full confidence’ in Ó Muilleoir as Finance Minister

Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness has said Máirtín Ó Muilleoir has his “full confidence and support as Finance Minister”.

His comments come amid a scandal surrounding loyalist blogger Jamie Bryson’s appearance at a Stormont Finance Committee’s inquiry into the NAMA sale of a Northern Ireland property portfolio.

North Antrim Sinn Féin MLA Daithí McKay, then chair of the committee, has resigned his position and been suspended from the party after he allegedly “coached” him before his appearance.

Mr McGuinness reiterated Mr Ó Muilleoir’s words that “attempts to link” him to the controversy are “no more than petty party politicking”.

He said: “Máirtín is engaged in vitally important work as Finance Minister in dealing with the real crises created by the referendum result and Tory austerity.

“Máirtín will continue with that important work."

The Finance Committee is meeting on Tuesday morning to discuss recent allegations made.