Ulster Unionist deputy leader Diana Armstrong MLA has urged a reset in the tone of political debate in Northern Ireland, warning that personal abuse directed at elected representatives has escalated markedly in recent weeks.

Diana Armstrong said: "Politics is a rough trade and nobody should expect an easy ride. Being told you are wrong, loudly and in public, comes with the job. That is not what I am talking about. "In the last few weeks a female MP has needed police protection because of the abuse she took over a position she held on behalf of her own community. Some of what was said about her had nothing to do with politics at all. It was about how she looks. We have also had a Minister whose politics I disagree with on virtually everything telling us he has had death threats and been assaulted, and has had to change where he goes and how he lives. Representatives from every party in this place have had the same, or worse.

"I will keep holding that Minister to account, because that is my job and because the people I represent expect it. But there is a world of difference between holding a Minister to account and threatening his safety.

"Something has changed. Arguments that used to end at the chamber door follow people home now, and onto their phones late at night, and into their families. People in public life are having to think about where they go and how they travel. I would not blame anyone for wondering whether it is worth putting their name forward at all.

"You do not have to like any of us. Throw us out, that is what elections are for. But the person you are posting about goes home to a family the same as you do."