The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman has dismissed a complaint from Jamie Bryson against Pól Deeds. Bryson took issue with Deeds' accusation that he displayed poison and enmity. The ombudsman instructed Bryson to approach Deeds directly as an initial step.

Bryson stated he would not request Deeds to examine his own conduct. He warned that NIPSO must process the complaint or risk judicial review.

NIPSO upheld its decision by citing legal limits on its powers and required steps. The ombudsman noted that complainants must first use and complete the accused public body's internal process.

Discretion exists for special circumstances, but NIPSO ruled them absent here. The seniority of the accused individual does not qualify as such, according to the ombudsman.

NIPSO outlined a standard two-stage approach for public bodies. They first assess if resolution is possible. If not, they offer apologies and corrective action.