DUP Leader Endorses Jim Gamble's Review into Jeffrey Donaldson
Gavin Robinson, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), has expressed his approval of child safeguarding expert Jim Gamble's involvement in conducting a review into Jeffrey Donaldson's period as a member of the party. Robinson described the forthcoming review as "robust".
Jeffrey Donaldson was convicted last month on 18 counts of sexual abuse, including one count of rape, involving two women who were minors at the time of the offenses.
Jim Gamble, who previously led the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre, has been appointed by the DUP to lead this review.
Robinson praised Gamble's qualifications, stating that he has "impeccable and unquestionable credentials in the safeguarding sphere".
Despite some criticism regarding Gamble's appointment, Robinson defended the decision.
The Northern Ireland Survivor Council raised "serious concern" about Gamble's role, noting that his company is also conducting a review into the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
"I have no questions about [Gamble's] independence or capacity to do this review and I'm pleased that he is doing so."
The DUP confirmed that Jim Gamble would carry out an independent focused safeguarding review concerning Donaldson's time with the party.
The review is being conducted by Gamble as part of the iNEQE Safeguarding Group, tasked with an Independent Focused Safeguarding Review into Donaldson's membership period within the DUP.
Background and Related Investigations
A BBC Spotlight investigation revealed that two senior DUP members were aware of separate allegations against Donaldson five years prior, when a young woman reported being "exploited" by him.
Earlier this year, Gamble was appointed to perform an external review of governance and safeguarding arrangements within the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
In response to Gamble's dual involvement, the Northern Ireland Survivor Council stated earlier this month:
"It is reasonable to question whether one organisation can independently and robustly conduct both reviews at the same time."
The council urged the DUP to engage a different safeguarding organization to undertake their review.
Robinson's Commitment to the Review
Gavin Robinson emphasized the seriousness with which he is approaching the review into Donaldson's time as a party member.
Speaking on Good Morning Ulster, Robinson said:
"I have engaged the UK's foremost expert, I have no questions about his independence or capacity to do this review.
This is to satisfy not only myself but in time the general public about what occurred within our party, what was known what could have been known and whether our safeguarding policies and procedures in place are correct or if they need to change."
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