SINN Féin has issued an apology after one of its MLAs was criticised for comparing the party's relationship with the DUP to domestic abuse.
The analogy was made by Pat Sheehan as he attended a discussion on the north's health service yesterday at the Mac in Belfast.
Asked about the collapse of the Stormont executive earlier this year, the West Belfast MLA appeared to characterise Sinn Féin's relationship with the DUP as one of domestic abuse.
SDLP deputy leader Nichola Mallon, who also attended the event, organised by PR firm MW Advocate, said she was shocked by the "insensitive" comparison.
The North Belfast MLA called on Mr Sheehan to "apologise immediately" and urged Sinn Féin to distance itself from the "outrageous remarks".
"Pat Sheehan's outburst is an affront to the many women and men who are at the receiving end of domestic abuse from a partner," she said.
"To draw parallels between such attacks and the relationship between his party and the DUP is insensitive and deeply offensive."
A Sinn Féin spokeswoman last night said: "Sinn Féin is fully supportive of all victims of domestic abuse.
"This was the wrong analogy to use and we apologise for any offence caused."
