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Hotel boss resigns after sectarian outburst

Ramona Wylie during her alcohol-fuelled sectarian rant
Ramona Wylie during her alcohol-fuelled sectarian rant Ramona Wylie during her alcohol-fuelled sectarian rant

A Co Derry businesswoman has resigned from a prestigious hospitality organisation after being filmed making a foul-mouthed sectarian rant.

The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation confirmed last night that former board member Ramona Wylie had tendered her resignation after a expletive-ridden outburst was captured on camera.

It has been reported that the 46-year-old has also been suspended from her role as financial director at the Best Western Plus White Horse Hotel outside Derry.

Images of the businesswoman launching a tirade of abuse, which appears to have been alcohol fuelled, were posted on social media.

It has been reported that the abuse was directed at doormen at city centre bar, however, it is understood the target was a bystander who filmed the entire episode on his phone.

When asked who she was by a bystander Ms Wylie replied "NITB" - believed to be a reference to the Northern Ireland Tourism Board – which now called Tourism NI.

"F**k you, because you know what you are, you’re the f**king ... bastards that will destroy this city," she said.

"Derry city destroyed, Derry city destroyed by you."

Seconds later she said: "I am telling you, you are wrong. You know what you are? You know what you are? You’re Fenian bastards."

Chief executive of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation Janice Gault last night confirmed Ms Wylie had tendered her resignation and this had been accepted.

"The Federation represents professionals and businesses from all sections of our community. We are deeply committed to playing our part in building a fair society free from all forms of discrimination.

"We do not condone sectarian behaviour of any kind. It goes against the ethos of the entire organisation. The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation will continue to represent the hospitality sector in a professional and equitable manner."

Her employers are also reported to have issued a statement claiming she has been suspended from her job.

"We at the White Horse are investigating a recent incident which involved a member of our team and staff at another local business," the statement said.

"Although the incident occurred while our employee was off duty, we take the matter extremely seriously.

"The employees behaviour on this occasion shocked and disappointed us. It was unacceptable and cannot be condoned."

The statement added that Ms Wylie is "deeply remorseful and has apologised for her behaviour."