UUP MLA Mocked By DUP For Attending Pope Event

The actions of DUP politicians who mocked an Ulster Unionist MLA for his attendance at a reception for the Pope earlier this year have been condemned.

Lagan Valley MLA Robbie Butler has told of the criticism he got from Democratic Unionists, one of whom "wagged his finger" and said he was making a big mistake before adding "you know he's the antichrist".

Mr Butler did not disclose the identity of the MLAs, but said another crossed himself in a mocking gesture as he passed him in a corridor at Stormont.

"It was a throwback to the 1970s," he said.

Thousands descended on Dublin in August for the Pope's first visit in over 30 years. All the main Northern Ireland political parties, Sinn Fein, Alliance, SDLP, and UUP, all sent a representative to the event, with the exception of the DUP.

Mr Butler attended as his party leader Robin Swann could not. He said afterwards that he felt he had made the right decision in attending the event and enjoyed the occasion.

"I went to Dublin as Christian, Protestant and unionist and came back as Christian, Protestant and unionist," he added.

Doug Beattie, UUP MLA for Upper Bann added: "You'll not find a more honourable man in NI politics than Robbie Butler- those that mocked him or criticised his actions need to understand you are dragging unionism down by your lack of inclusion.



(JG/MH)