HC Deb 30 July 1998 vol 317 cc595-6
Mr. Paul Murphy

I beg to move amendment No. 30, in page 14, line 36, after 'that', insert— '(a)".

Mr. Deputy Speaker

With this, it will be convenient to discuss Government amendment No. 31.

Mr. Murphy

The amendments refer to the disqualification for Assembly membership of clergymen of the Church of Ireland and of the Roman Catholic Church and would bring the Northern Ireland Bill into line with the Scotland Bill.

We do not believe that the disqualification is necessary in the Northern Ireland Assembly. It is anomalous as the disqualification does not apply to dissenting Ministers, who play a significant role in Northern Ireland politics, both in this House and, as I am sure they will, in the Assembly. I cannot say whether many clergy will take up the opportunities offered in the amendments, but we believe that it is in the best interests of the electorate to give the broadest possible choice of candidates by removing all inessential grounds for disqualification. Ultimately, it is for the electorate to decide who represents them.

Amendment agreed to.

Amendment made: No. 31, in page 14, line 37, at end insert '; or (b) he is ordained or is a minister of any religious denomination.'. —[Mr. Dowd.]

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