THE WIFE of East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson has received support from her husband's political rivals following claims that her opinions have unsettled DUP members.
A mental health campaigner and part of faith-based progressive group Left Side Up, Lindsay Robinson supports the banning of so-called gay conversion therapy.
Earlier this week, she tweeted a newspaper report about how DUP MLA Tom Buchanan believed God had intervened to suspend abortion services in the Western health trust, adding the comment: “Jesus, Mary and Joseph and the wee donkey. I’m all out of words and almost everything else at this point.”
It has speculated this week that Mr Robinson may run for the DUP leadership and it has been claimed that party insiders have been briefing against the former Belfast lord mayor's wife. The party is not commenting on the matter.
Last month's assembly vote on banning gay conversion therapy is thought to have been a catalyst for the heave against Arlene Foster by conservative DUP elected representatives.
Mrs Robinson responded to the criticism by tweeting: "To whom it may concern: I am my own woman. Always have been, always will be.
"I speak for myself (no one else) & don't need permission to do so. Leave me out of the games.
"Your misogyny is rampant but thankfully this isn't my first rodeo and, so far, I've always survived."
Her husband offered his support by tweeting: "Too right. I may be fair game but pick a fight with this one at your peril."
Mrs Robinson also received online support from her husband's political opponents, including from Alliance leader Naomi Long, the DUP MP's predecessor as East Belfast's Westminster representative.
"People can really be idiots online - and misogyny is rife. Sorry you're being targeted," Mrs Long tweeted.
"Anyone who knows you, knows you're your own woman and have a mind and voice of your own. Rise above and keep doing what you're doing."
Sinn Féin West Belfast MLA Órlaithí Flynn was also supportive of Mrs Robinson.
"Not sure what has been said but what I am sure of is that you are a lovely person with a kind heart," she posted on Twitter.
"And an outstanding advocate for mental health."
