Top Northern Ireland political aide arrested over office bathroom camera

Devout Christian aide under investigation after toilet camera discovery

By: ANTOINETTE KELLY | Published Saturday, November 17, 2012, 7:33 AM | Updated Saturday, November 17, 2012, 7:33 AM

A former aide to a top Northern Ireland MP was arrested this week, after a camera was discovered in the toilets in the constituency office where he was employed.

David McConaghie, (47), a senior member of the Free Presbyterian Church, has been working as an election agent for David Simpson, the DUP MP for Upper Bann, reports the BBC.

Simpson filed a report with police in September after he discovered the recording device in the bathroom of his constituency office.

McConaghie solicitor, Neil Logan, said: "Mr McConaghie has not been charged with any criminal offence."

He was released on police bail pending further inquiries.

DUP Upper Bann MP Mr Simpson said: "The police are currently investigating issues pertaining to an individual brought to their attention by myself.

“I no longer employ this individual and he does not hold any office in the party. No further comment will be made on the matter."

In a statement the PSNI said: "On 25 September, police received a report of an incident at premises in the Thomas Street area of Portadown.

"A 47-year-old male was later arrested and has since been released on bail pending further inquiries."

McConaghie is trained as a  minister within the Free Presbyterian Church  founded by the Rev Ian Paisley. Prior to that he was a minister in the Elim Pentecostal Church and a press officer for the Free Presbyterian Church.