DEMOCRATIC Unionist Party (DUP) MP Ian Paisley has been branded “truly shameless” for claiming nearly £6,000 from a charity for a first-class flight to New York.

The reactionary North Antrim MP was a guest speaker at the 20 Years of Peace conference marking the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, an event organised by Cooperation Ireland, a registered charity aimed at encouraging north-south dialogue and peace-building.

Others attending the event flew economy class, including Tanaiste Simon Coveney, who flew with budget airline Norwegian Air with his government department picking up the bill.

Mr Paisley has previously faced months of parliamentary investigations and criticism for taking lavish holidays in the Maldives and Sri Lanka soon after advocating on behalf of their governments.

Sinn Fein described the cost of Mr Paisley’s trip as “astonishing.”

A party spokesman said: “Mr Paisley has a much-publicised penchant for travel at the expense of the taxpayer and others.

“This includes the government of Sri Lanka, which was guilty of the most horrific human rights abuses.

“Mr Paisley seems to believe that his role as an MP gives him a ticket to ride with lavish benefits and perks.”