IAN PAISLEY jnr has until April 20th to reveal to the name of a senior prison officer who supplied him with evidence relevant to the Billy Wright inquiry, the High Court in Belfast has ruled.
Mr Justice Gillen gave the North Antrim Assembly member and former junior minister 17 days to comply with a notice from Lord MacLean, chairman of the inquiry which is examining the INLA murder of loyalist leader Billy Wright in the Maze prison in December 1997.
Mr Paisley says he will continue to protect his source and is prepared for jail if necessary.
In June 2007, Mr Paisley was given evidence by an unnamed constituent and senior member of the prison service of systematic destruction of files deemed to be of use to the inquiry.
This evidence, which refers to the destruction of some 5,600 documents shortly after Wright’s killing, was then passed to David Wright, father of the murdered Loyalist Volunteer Force leader.
Mr Paisley, citing his responsibility as a public representative has refused to identify his source, to the displeasure of the inquiry which referred the case to the High Court.
Mr Paisley insisted again yesterday he would not break his word to his constituent and is prepared to face any legal consequences, including prison.
Mr Justice Gillen said in his ruling: “The matter certified by the chairman [of the Billy Wright inquiry] is a proportionate response to the needs of the inquiry and to the interests of justice.
“I consider than an order made by me to enforce the matter certified is measured and justified when set against the weight of the freedom of expression which must be accorded to public representatives.”
After the ruling was delivered, Mr Paisley responded: “I have already made my view clear to the court that I cannot and will not reveal the identity of my source and, therefore, I am faced ultimately with the threat of a contempt hearing and punishment of imprisonment.
“I do not believe that public interests are served either for constituents or indeed the Billy Wright tribunal by jailing me over this matter. I think the public would be rightly outraged at such an occurrence.”
Mr Paisley’s solicitor told The Irish Times the Assembly member would consider his position over the weekend with the help of his advisers.
He believes Assembly members, like journalists, clergy and medical professionals, should have a right to a measure of confidentiality with clients.
Mr Paisley has the support of his DUP colleagues who have already voted for an Assembly motion backing his stance.
During the High Court application, First Minister and DUP leader Peter Robinson appeared in the witness box to support him.
However, Mr Justice Gillen ordered Mr Paisley to provide the inquiry with the prison officer’s name and other information in a written statement to Lord MacLean.