Public probe ordered into RHI Scheme as DUP official resigns

A public inquiry has been launched into Northern Ireland's botched green energy scheme.

Sinn Fein finance minister Mairtin O Muilleoir ordered the probe to "get to the truth".

The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme is predicted to cost taxpayers up to £490 million over the next 20 years.

It precipitated the collapse of Stormont powersharing.

Mr O Muilleoir said: "This inquiry will be impartial and objective. I will not interfere in its work. It will be tasked to get to the truth of this issue."

The inquiry report must go to the finance minister.

Mr O Muilleoir said: "I give a commitment that I or any Sinn Fein minister will release the report in full to the public on receipt.

"I call on all parties to sign up to unrestricted, unedited publication.

"By getting to the truth of the RHI scandal, this inquiry report will, I believe, address those wider issues, and, therefore, put the public first."

An ex-special adviser to former Northern Ireland first minister Arlene Foster has resigned from his role at Stormont.

Dr Andrew Crawford has denied attempting to keep a botched green energy scheme open.

He was named by a senior civil servant during an explosive hearing at Stormont as the person who exerted pressure to keep the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme running when officials wanted to close it.

It has ended up costing taxpayers a predicted £490 million over the next 20 years and precipitated the collapse of powersharing at Stormont.

Mrs Foster said she accepted his resignation with regret, describing him as a "faithful servant" to the party and the people of Northern Ireland.

"Andrew has felt that given what occurred yesterday and indeed today that he was becoming a distraction to the important work of his minister, but indeed he was becoming the story," she said.

"Anyone who knows Andrew Crawford knows he's a very private person and he didn't want to become the story.

"I have accepted his resignation regretfully I have to say."