Northern Ireland

Doug Beattie takes Sammy Wilson to task over calling Robin Swann 'Dr Doom'

Sammy Wilson was speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday
Sammy Wilson was speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday Sammy Wilson was speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday

ULSTER Unionist leader Doug Beattie has accused Sammy Wilson of "juvenile name calling" after the DUP MP referred to the Stormont health minister as "Dr Doom".

The social media criticism by Mr Wilson is the latest in a long line of public attacks on Robin Swann by DUP MPs.

It is expected to lead to further calls for Sir Jeffrey Donaldson to clamp down on his elected representatives' public pronouncements, especially as the new DUP leader has signalled a desire for greater co-operation with the Ulster Unionists.

Last month, Ian Paisley caused outrage when he joined Van Morrison on stage in Belfast to castigate the Ulster Unionist health minister, whose record on Covid has won him many plaudits and seen his popularity rating soar.

The North Antrim MP and the Belfast-born singer together chanted "Robin Swann is dangerous", after blaming the minister for not lifting restrictions that would have enabled a concert to go ahead at the Europa Hotel.

Ian Knox cartoon 7/7/21 
Ian Knox cartoon 7/7/21  Ian Knox cartoon 7/7/21 

In the latest incident, Mr Wilson tweeted that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's statement on so-called Freedom Day, when a number of coronavirus restrictions in England are lifted, would be a "relief to thousands of businesses and families".

"Dr Doom, Robin Swann must give our people the same reassurance that their freedoms & liberties will be restored," the DUP MP tweeted.

"We must learn to live with Covid, not medical diktats."

Mr Swann did not respond to Mr Wilson but his party leader took the East Antrim MP to task on Twitter

"Juvenile name calling and attacks our health minister Robin Swann again by another DUP MP," Mr Beattie said.

"What’s the point?"

There was no further comment from the Ulster Unionists.