First Minister backs call for Ó Muilleoir to step aside

First Minister Arlene Foster has spoken publicly for the first time about the NAMA 'coaching' scandal.

On Friday she said it would "benefit the institutions" if Máirtín Ó Muilleoir temporarily stepped down while an investigation is carried out.

It follows calls from the Stormont Finance Committee, which met on Tuesday to discuss allegations that its former chair, Daithí McKay, had contact with witness Jamie Bryson prior to his appearance at the NAMA inquiry.

Mr McKay resigned last week after the revelations were made public.

Mr Ó Muilleoir, who was mentioned in the social media exchanges, said he has “absolutely no knowledge of any communications between Daithí McKay and Jamie Bryson” and he will not be leaving his post.