DUP officials meet to consider Ian Paisley parliamentary breach

DUP officials have been meeting privately to consider potential disciplinary action against the North Antrim MP Ian Paisley.

It comes after a parliamentary watchdog recommended he be suspended from the Commons for 30 days for failing to register two family holidays paid for by the Sri Lankan government.

On Thursday Mr Paisley made an emotional apology in the House of Commons for breaching parliamentary rules.

On Saturday around a group of around a dozen party officers, including DUP leader Arlene Foster, are determining what action, if any, they'll take against him.

Mr Paisley is already looking at the prospect of being suspended from the Commons for 30 days.

If this sanction is approved by MPs it would begin in September - with potential ramifications for Prime Minister Theresa May's minority government.

There's also the possibility of a North Antrim by-election but that requires 10 percent of constituents to sign a petition.

The Westminster Standards Committee suggested the value of the hospitality received from the Sri Lankan government may have been significantly more than Mr Paisley's estimate of 50 thousand pounds.

The MP - who has faced calls to resign over the matter - has expressed his regret and embarrassment - saying he takes his duties as a parliamentarian seriously.

Saturday’s DUP meeting is happening behind closed doors at an undisclosed location - the party officers aren't expected to publicly disclose any decision regarding Mr Paisley's future until early next week.