Paisley Jnr comments to Hot Press Magazine “Ill-Judged and Unwise” - Danny Kennedy
Ulster Unionist Newry & Armagh MLA, and Chair of the Committee of the Centre, Danny Kennedy, has described recent comments by OFMDFM Junior Minister Ian Paisley Jnr to Hot Press Magazine as “ill-judged and unwise”.
He emphasised that great care should be taken when personal views are being expressed, given the responsibilities of public office and service to the entire community.
Mr Kennedy said: “It is highly regrettable that one of the Junior Ministers in OFMDFM has spoken in a manner which undermines the dignity of his Office and appears to suggest that he is less than committed to treating all citizens equally and fairly. The reported comments would not be acceptable anywhere in mainstream British political life.”
He continued: “All of us in public office have a right to hold views on the basis of conscience and religious convictions, but we also have a duty to promote equality and fairness for all. The Junior Minister should urgently rectify the situation and in future ensure that he speaks in a manner which does not discredit his Office, the devolved institutions or Northern Ireland.”