Row Over Robinson's 'Islam' Sermon Backing

A political row has broken out following Peter Robinson's backing of an evangelical pastor who is currently under police investigation for suspected hate crimes against the Muslim community.

Pastor James McConnell made headlines this week after he told his congregation that Islam was a "heathen" doctrine and that it was "spawned in hell". He spoke of Muslim "cells" and likened the religion to the IRA.

But First Minister Peter Robinson defended the pastor's views in an interview with the Irish News.

He said he would not trust Muslims who were involved in "terrorist activities" or those "fully devoted to Sharia law", but said he would "trust them to go down the shops."

Martin McGuinness said Mr Robinson needed to "show leadership in promoting equality, tolerance and mutual respect for all."

The deputy First Minister said: "All of us in positions of leadership have a responsibility to represent and stand up for all the people of our society.

"We have a duty to promote equality, mutual respect and tolerance for all in our society based on the core principles contained in the Good Friday Agreement.

"I value the diversity and multicultural nature of our society the significant and valuable contribution the Muslim community makes to this society day and daily. There is a real need for all of us those in positions of responsibility to step out of our own political constituencies and religious groupings and show genuine political leadership for all."

Alliance Chief Whip Stewart Dickson said: "People of all faiths and none, must be welcomed by all in Northern Ireland. As First Minister, Peter Robinson has a duty to represent the country and I am dismayed by his comments that he would only trust a Muslim to get him something from a shop. That is extremely demeaning and disrespectful to an entire religion.

"The diversity in Northern Ireland strengthens our society, not weakens it. The comments by Pastor McConnell and Peter Robinson fall far short of what is expected of them."

But in response to Mr McGuinness's comments, Peter Robinson tweeted this morning: "I won’t take lectures from a self-confessed leader of a bloody terrorist organisation on equality, tolerance and mutual respect for all."

(IT)