First Minister Slammed Over 'Political Misogyny' Claims

Sinn Féin has hit out at First Minister Arlene Foster after she claimed she was the victim of "political misogyny".

Mrs Foster made the claim in an interview over the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scandal in which she said the calls were personal and some of them were because she is female.

Sinn Féin Minister Michelle O'Neill said the issue is about corruption and the misuse of public money.

She said: "Arlene Foster is trying to divert attention away from getting to the truth and holding those responsible to account.

"That is the basis for Sinn Féin calling for Arlene Foster to stand aside, it is not an issue of her gender.

"As the minister responsible for the design and operation of this scheme for three years she has a clear conflict of interest.

"Sinn Féin will not tolerate any cover up of the RHI scandal."

Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA said: "I'm surprised the First Minister sees this as misogynistic, when instead it is about being held to account in the same manner as any other public representative. Indeed, her male predecessor was also held to account in the same way in a previous scandal of much lesser financial importance.

"It is particularly galling, given the DUP's track record in promoting women within their ranks. The First Minister is a notable exception, even though she joined the DUP at a time when members of the party deemed it acceptable to moo at the Women's Coalition and other female elected representatives in debates.

"Of course there is misogyny and sexism in politics but it does a great disservice to those experiencing them to misrepresent being held accountable for your actions as either of those things."

(CD)