by Q Radio News
A DUP MP has called on Sinn Fein MLA John O'Dowd to explain the resignation of a senior Upper Bann official over the mistaken payments of covid relief funds.
It was revealed last week £10,000 grants from the Small Business Support Grant scheme were wrongly paid into three Sinn Fein party accounts in March and April.
It led to the resignation of three Sinn Fein activists including former Foyle MP Elisha McCallion, a West Tyrone party official and the Chair of Upper Bann's Constituency Organisation, after it emerged there was a delay in repaying the unsolicited funds.
Over the weekend, West Tyrone MLA Catherine Kelly became the fourth representative to reign over the issue.
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart says residents are 'disgusted' that £30,000 in support payments were resting in the party's accounts for seven months before being repaid last week.
She added, Sinn Fein MLA in the area, John O'Dowd, has been "strangely silent" over the incident.
"A very senior Sinn Fein official in my constituency has been the sacrificial lamb yet the most senior media spokesman and one-time leadership contender John O’Dowd, has been strangely silent in the last 72 hours.
"We know John has aspirations of leadership, so here is a chance for him to show leadership. He should step up and address the questions that the people of Upper Bann demand answers to.
"In particular, who knew about the money and when did they know?
"Will he step up in a spirit of openness, integrity and respect? We will wait and see."
MP and MLA constituency offices were not eligible for the Small Business Support Grant Scheme announced by Economy Minister Diane Dodds (DUP) earlier this year.
However, payments were sent automatically to any firm in receipt of Small Business Rate Relief.
The Department for the Economy said 24,700 grants were paid out under the scheme.
Of those, 2% (452) may not have been eligible.
The PSNI also confirmed last week it's considering a request to investigate issues surrounding the mistaken payments.
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