Northern Ireland

DUP refuse to say if councillor John Carson who called police ‘bootboys' will be disciplined

Ballymena councillor John Carson who called the PSNI 'bootboys'
Ballymena councillor John Carson who called the PSNI 'bootboys' Ballymena councillor John Carson who called the PSNI 'bootboys'

THE DUP has refused to say if it will take action against a councillor who described members of the PSNI as "boot boys".

John Carson posted a Facebook message in reaction to controversy over the policing of a junior Orange Order parade in south Belfast which saw CS spray used.

The Police Ombudsman is investigating.

The Mid and East Antrim Borough councillor wrote: "Time for an explanation George" in reference to Chief Constable George Hamilton. He added: "Either that or go and take your boot boys with you - see if Gerry (Adams) and Co will shelter you then".

Speaking on the Stephen Nolan radio show on BBC, South Belfast councillor Christopher Stalford said that the party had contacted Mr Carson and asked him to remove the post.

However, it remained on his Facebook page until the matter was raised by the BBC on Thursday and had already been liked by several people including former DUP minister Nelson McCausland.

The party has refused to comment on whether the Ballymena councillor will be disciplined as a result of the Facebook post.

Chair of the Police Federation Mark Lindsay has condemned people who used social networks to make inflammatory comments against police officers following the disturbances on Ormeau Road.