The process of finding that Gordon Lyons broke the ministerial code, which he did (for the second time), was tortuous and the timing and manner in which the former standards commissioner’s decision was announced allowed Lyons to get his retaliation in first.

He has form in his breaches and in his arrogant dismissal of charges and findings against him.

In 2024 Lyons, along with four other colleagues, broke the ministerial code by boycotting the North South Ministerial Council.

The DUP supported their actions, which were in breach of their solemn undertakings.

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This time, however, Lyons continues to deny he broke the ministerial code in spite of the incontrovertible conclusions the commissioner, Dr Melissa McCullough, reached.

Since the report was released on a Friday afternoon, the classic time for burying bad news, and since the commissioner is no longer in office, Lyons was able to get his version out first.

The commissioner had sent him her findings on August 11. He replied on September 26. The commissioner then replied to Lyons’ rejection of her findings on November 18.

Essentially, Lyons regurgitated on Friday and Monday what he said in September.

Unfortunately the commissioner’s detailed, damning demolition of Lyons’ errors, facile excuses and denials has not been........

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