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DUP Minister Faces Calls for Resignation Amid Row Over Social Media Post

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The DUP's Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons, has defended himself against calls for his resignation over a social media post made during a period of communal unrest in Northern Ireland. The post, which informed people that individuals from Ballymena who had been displaced by violence were no longer in the Larne leisure centre, was criticized for allegedly "highlighting the location" of immigrant families, and contributing to the subsequent attack on the centre.

Key Takeaways:

  • DUP Minister Gordon Lyons faced calls for resignation over a social media post made amid communal unrest in Northern Ireland.
  • The post informed people that individuals from Ballymena who had been displaced by violence were no longer in the Larne leisure centre.
  • A spokesperson for the PSNI has not responded to questions on whether its officers encouraged politicians to share the message that those displaced by violence in Ballymena were no longer at the Larne location.
  • Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly called for Executive unity in light of three nights of violence across Northern Ireland, while First Minister Michelle O'Neill called for Minister Lyons to step down.
  • Opponents criticized Minister Lyons for not being aware or consulted on the decision to use the leisure centre as shelter, citing the need for public representatives to be consulted in emergency situations.
  • Minister Lyons rejected the criticism, stating that information about the use of the leisure centre was already in the public domain and he had posted to quash rumors.
  • Minister Lyons said he would "strongly hit back" at any notion that he had revealed the use of the facility to the public when the protest was already planned.

Statistics:

  • Three nights of violence across Northern Ireland, according to Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly.
  • The Larne leisure centre was attacked by rioters who smashed windows and set the building on fire, according to the News Letter.

Sources:

  • "Good Morning Ulster" - BBC
  • New Letter
  • Presseye

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