Naomi Long calls for independent investigation into further Donaldson allegations as pressure grows on DUP leadership

Alliance Party leader Naomi Long

Calls for a fully independent investigation into what senior figures knew about concerns surrounding former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson have intensified following revelations aired in the BBC Spotlight documentary Politician, Predator, Paedophile.

On Sunday, 28 June, Alliance Party leader Naomi Long said transparency was now essential regarding the actions and knowledge of senior members of the Democratic Unionist Party in relation to allegations concerning other alleged victims of Donaldson’s predatory behaviour.

Mrs Long said only an independent external review would be capable of restoring public confidence in the political institutions and organisations involved.

Focus must remain on victims

The Justice Minister said the priority must remain with those who had come forward with allegations of abuse and exploitation.

“Our thoughts remain first and foremost with the victims whose courage has brought these matters to light,” she said.

“Nothing should distract from the abuse they endured or the bravery it took to come forward.”

Her comments follow the broadcast of the recent BBC Spotlight investigation, which examined how former DUP leader and MP Jeffrey Donaldson rose to the highest levels of political life while concealing years of offending behaviour.

Donaldson was convicted earlier this month on 18 charges of abuse, including rape.

Questions over what was known and when

Mrs Long described allegations that senior figures within the DUP and others in positions of trust may have been aware of serious concerns about Donaldson before he became party leader as “profoundly serious”.

“While it must always be for victims themselves to decide whether to report matters to the police, that does not absolve others of safeguarding responsibilities,” she said.

“Too often, institutions seek to protect themselves rather than vulnerable people, and that culture must change.”

The Alliance leader said there must now be full transparency around who knew what, when they knew it, what action was taken and whether safeguarding procedures were followed appropriately.

“Public confidence cannot be restored through internal party processes alone,” she said.

“Only a genuinely independent investigation can establish the full facts.”

Mrs Long also said that as holder of one of Northern Ireland’s highest political offices, DUP Assembly Speaker Edwin Poots should provide a full account of his knowledge of the matters raised.

“It’s imperative that Edwin Poots provides a full account of his knowledge of these matters,” she said.

Concerns raised over faith settings and safeguarding

The BBC Spotlight programme also raised questions around disclosures allegedly made within pastoral and faith-based settings.

Mrs Long said those revelations highlighted the need for stronger safeguarding arrangements and accountability where vulnerable people disclose abuse or exploitation.

“Where vulnerable people disclose abuse or exploitation, there must be clear safeguarding standards and accountability,” she said.

“Stronger regulation of faith-based counselling is now clearly needed.”

Warning against political point scoring

The Alliance leader also warned against attempts to use the case for political advantage.

“This must not become a political point-scoring exercise, either from political opponents or those exploiting the opportunity to settle old scores,” she said.

“The focus must remain on victims and on ensuring that anyone entrusted with safeguarding vulnerable people is held accountable for the actions they took, or failed to take.”

She added that accountability was essential if confidence in institutions was to be rebuilt and future victims protected.

Comments on LGBTQ+ issues and political rhetoric

Mrs Long also said it was important that the case did not reinforce what she described as “false and harmful associations” between homosexuality and sexual offending.

She said Donaldson’s sexuality was entirely separate from the allegations of abuse against him and argued that Northern Ireland’s political discourse must avoid conflating the two issues.

Mrs Long further criticised what she described as decades of homophobic and hostile rhetoric directed at LGBTQ+ people by senior DUP figures, saying this required both recognition and meaningful change.

DUP announces independent review

The comments come after the DUP confirmed on Friday, 26 June, that it had begun the process of commissioning what it described as a specialised and detailed independent review into issues arising following Donaldson’s conviction and further allegations highlighted in recent days.

In a statement, the party said it had acted swiftly when Donaldson was first charged and reiterated its support for the rule of law and criminal justice process.

“The DUP acted swiftly when former member Jeffrey Donaldson was first charged,” the statement said.

“As a party we believe in the rule of law and that criminal proceedings must take their full course. Justice has been served with the guilty verdicts against him.”

The party said leader Gavin Robinson, deputy leader Michelle McIlveen and party officers were deeply concerned by allegations relating to inappropriate behaviour by Donaldson and indications that some individuals may have had knowledge of such behaviour which was never reported to party leadership.

The DUP said further details regarding the review process would be announced in due course.

The growing calls for answers mark a significant escalation in scrutiny surrounding not only Jeffrey Donaldson’s crimes but also the systems, institutions and individuals who may have had knowledge of concerns over a prolonged period.

As attention shifts from criminal proceedings to questions of safeguarding and accountability, pressure is likely to continue mounting for greater transparency across both political and community organisations in Northern Ireland.