WE’RE in the midst of a pandemic with no obvious end in sight and one of our political leaders chooses to not only deliberately undermine the public health message but to effectively sectarianise coronavirus also. It’s a situation that at the very least highlights how the executive faces an uphill battle in its efforts to remain on message and at worst shows that the DUP is all over the place when it comes to Covid – and internal discipline.
The scenario often used to illustrate the limitations of free speech is the person who shouts “Fire!” in a theatre when there is no fire. Edwin Poots' unfounded and inflammatory remarks about Covid cases in nationalist areas far outnumbering those in unionist areas were defended by his executive colleague Peter Weir on the basis that “people have a right to express their opinions”.
As an individual, Mr Poots may indeed have the right to air his – albeit misguided – thoughts regarding the spread of coronavirus. However, there’s considerably less latitude when you’re a part of Stormont’s coalition administration.
The agriculture minister and his party agreed to the latest restrictions last week and Arlene Foster made subsequent media appearances in an effort to underline the executive’s united support for the fresh measures.
Yet Mr Poots, a man not only regarded as something of a serial agitator within the party but also someone who’s sceptical of certain scientific facts, decides to go on the airwaves as the restrictions come into force and cast doubt on their necessity.
His words clouded an already uncertain picture, giving validity to those who completely reject the current strategy for stemming the spread of Covid.
Moreover, it’s another public humiliation for a DUP leader whose authority is being progressively weakened. Dismissing this latest episode with a nonchalant ‘it’s Edwin being Edwin’ will only highlight Mrs Foster and her inner circle’s inability to quell internal dissent.
Firm decisive action is what’s required yet the "accountability deficit" referred to yesterday by Alliance deputy leader Stephen Farry is likely to be in evidence again as another executive minister fails to resign for behaviour that elsewhere would make their position untenable.
It’s fashionable to bash Stormont, with the commentators often tapping the ball into an open net, but too often our leaders bring the criticism on themselves by failing to take responsibility for their actions and being inconsistent in their condemnation. There’s only so much of this the public can swallow before all credibility evaporates.
