MLAs vouched for hotel fraudsters

Both politicians said they know the brothers well

Two leading politicians have said they have no regrets about giving character references to two brothers convicted of multi-million pound tax evasion.

Sinn Fein's Conor Murphy and the UUP's Danny Kennedy were among politicians and clergymen who provided statements for Patrick and John McParland.

They own Newry's Canal Court Hotel and the Carrickdale Hotel in County Louth.

Both were fined £1.1m and given suspended four year jail sentences at Belfast Crown Court on Thursday.

The brothers were also banned from holding company directorships for seven years after admitting making tax declarations to the inland revenue which failed to disclose details of more than 20 bank accounts.

They were also ordered to pay £3,399,042 in confiscation orders for unpaid income tax and interest due at a hearing earlier this month.

Mr Murphy, who is an MP and MLA for Newry and Armagh and also regional development minister for the Northern Ireland Assembly, said he gave the reference after being approached by the McParlands.

"They are neighbours of mine in Camlough and have been for many years," he said.

"I had no hesitation in giving them a reference, I've known them for many years and I find them very decent men.

"They are very good employers and they have invested a very significant amount of money into this area over the years when official agencies were not investing in this area.

"They have created employment and in many ways have contributed significantly to the Newry and Armagh area."

The McParland brothers were fined a total of £2.2m

Mr Kennedy said he had known both men for a number of years.

"They have helped regenerate what was the town of Newry and what is now the city of Newry," the UUP's deputy leader said.

"They have made a contribution to the local community.

"A character reference doesn't condone the actions of anybody, it factually reports the positive contribution that they have made.

"I am certainly aware that other representatives were approached.

"They were straightforward references as to how I know and find the McParland brothers, who I have known for many years and who I respect."