Irrespective of Ombudsman decision Paisley Jnr comments were disgraceful

12.29.15pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 6th Sep 2007

Alliance Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy MLA

Alliance Chief Whip Kieran McCarthy MLA has said that even though the Assembly Ombusdman decided that Ian Paisley Jnr did not breach the Ministerial Code, his remarks on gay people were absolutely disgraceful. He stated that they were made even worse because of the fact that he will be dealing with equality issues as a Junior Minister within the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister.

The Strangford MLA, Mr McCarthy, said: "No matter what the Assembly Ombudsman's findings are, Ian Paisley Jnr's remarks still remain deeply offensive.

"As a Junior Minister in OFMDFM, he let down those who have worked so hard to show people that Northern Ireland is moving towards being an open-minded and progressive society.

"Everyone should remember that the person who made these disgraceful comments is going to be partly responsible for equality issues. That in itself is extremely shocking.

"I sincerely hope that the Ombudsman findings do not create a dangerous precedent which will let other deeply offensive remarks be made by those in positions of responsibility in future."

ENDS