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Emma Little Pengelly accuses 'F*** the DUP' protesters of hypocrisy

DUP South Belfast MP Emma Little Pengelly made the remarks in a series of posts on Facebook
DUP South Belfast MP Emma Little Pengelly made the remarks in a series of posts on Facebook DUP South Belfast MP Emma Little Pengelly made the remarks in a series of posts on Facebook

EMMA Little Pengelly has waded into the row over protesters using 'F*** the DUP' as a slogan in demonstrations – accusing them of "hypocrisy".

The DUP MP said feminists should "think twice about using a colloquial expression with clear suggestion of an unwanted and violent sexual nature".

She said it was "pointless" discussing the matter as "so many of you are blinded by your hatred of the DUP".

It comes amid a PSNI probe over the slogan being used on a placard at a gay pride march and at an abortion rally in Belfast.

Several 'Rally for Choice' demonstrators adopted the slogan on Saturday, including some pictured standing side-by-side wearing T-shirts that spelled out the phrase.

Reacting to the image on Facebook, Ms Pengelly wrote, "Aww, kind but..." and included a picture of X Factor judge Simon Cowell with a caption that read: "It's a no from me."

Several people responded by criticising the DUP's stance on abortion and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) issues.

Ms Pengelly replied: "Maybe if people think they are such feminists they would think twice about using a colloquial expression with clear suggestion of an unwanted and violent sexual nature.

"I was attempting to use irony to point out the hypocrisy of celebrating the sentiment of both hate, violence and inappropriate use of a sentiment of sexual aggression."

Several Facebook users criticised her comments, saying the F-word is a widely used swear word and does not suggest violence or lack of consent.

Ms Pengelly responded saying that she was "not engaging in any nastiness", adding: "It is pointless engaging as so many of you are blinded by your hatred of the DUP."

Abortion activists adopted the anti-DUP slogan in solidarity with a woman facing prosecution for carrying a placard with the same phrase at Belfast Pride in August.

The placard was confiscated at the time by Belfast Pride organisers who feared it breached Parades Commission rules.

Ellie Evans (24) said police questioned her earlier this month over an alleged public order offence and claims of "inciting hate".

She described the PSNI probe as "ridiculous" and accused police of wasting resources.

Police intend to send a file to the Public Prosecution Service. They are now also examining the displays during Saturday's rally, which called for abortion law changes.