Robin Swann outlines frustration at leaks of Covid papers

The leaking of executive papers to the press during the pandemic was one of Robin Swann’s “largest frustrations” during the pandemic.

The health minister is giving evidence at the UK Covid inquiry during its final week of hearings in Belfast.

The inquiry has already heard from other ministers who expressed annoyance about leaks to the media.

Speaking on Monday, Mr Swann said he often felt it was a “deliberate” attempt to condition how the conversation about restrictions would go when the executive met.

He told the inquiry papers were often shared late with executive colleagues and would be leaked to the media, allowing a “narrative” to be established.