51DCensure resolutions

1

This section applies to the following resolutions of the Assembly—

a

a resolution censuring a Minister or junior Minister—

i

because he is not committed to non-violence and exclusively peaceful and democratic means; or

ii

because of any failure of his to observe any other terms of the pledge of office;

b

a resolution censuring a political party—

i

because it is not committed to non-violence and exclusively peaceful and democratic means; or

ii

because it is not committed to such of its members as are or might become Ministers or junior Ministers observing the other terms of the pledge of office.

2

A motion for a resolution to which this section applies shall not be moved unless—

a

it is supported by at least 30 members of the Assembly;

b

it is moved by the First Minister and the deputy First Minister acting jointly; or

c

it is moved by the Presiding Officer in pursuance of a notice under subsection (3).

3

If the Secretary of State is of the opinion that the Assembly ought to consider a resolution to which this section applies, he shall serve a notice on the Presiding Officer requiring him to move a motion for such a resolution.

4

In forming an opinion under subsection (3), the Secretary of State shall in particular take into account the matters listed in section 30(7).

5

A resolution to which this section applies shall not be passed without cross-community support.