FORMER health minister Jim Wells has been questioned by police over controversial comments he made about gay couples during an election event.
It is understood the DUP South Down Assembly member was quizzed for two hours after "voluntarily" presenting himself to Downpatrick PSNI station in what was a pre-arranged interview.
Numerous complaints were received by police after Mr Wells linked same-sex relationships to child abuse during an election hustings event in Downpatrick on April 23.
He said: "You don't bring a child up in a homosexual relationship. That a child is far more likely to be abused and neglected...."
He apologised for the "offence" caused but within 48 hours further complaints were by made by a lesbian couple who claimed Mr Wells had insulted their lifestyle choices while he canvassed for their vote in Rathfriland.
The remarks led to a public outcry and within days Mr Wells resigned from his long-coveted health portfolio.
At the time, he attributed his decision to stand down to serious health problems suffered by his wife, saying he wanted to give her "the attention she deserves".
Police yesterday released a statement confirming that "a male" had approached them regarding an incident on April 23 and that he will "continue to assist us in our inquiries".
He was questioned yesterday only in relation to the comment made at the hustings event.
A separate file is being prepared by police for the Public Prosecuion Service regarding the Rathfriland incident.
The long-standing politician has maintained a low profile since both incidents but in a recent interview accepted his comments had destroyed his career in "just 30 seconds".
