A DUP MLA has been told to "get back to work" by critics after he said the PSNI should be "getting on with real issues" following officers appearing at the Foyle Pride parade.
Upper Bann MLA Jonathan Buckley tweeted a response to a PSNI post on Saturday which showed officers at the Derry parade and referred to the force's new policy on uniforms.
The force is now allowing officers to wear one of two hats that had had previously been gender specific.
A PSNI spokesperson said in the tweet that the force was "proud" to have changed the policy, adding: "This means all officers have agency over their gender presentation. Men, women and those with non binary identities may wear either hat. A small but meaningful step forward for equality."
In response, Mr Buckley wrote: "I’m sure you all feel great. Everyone can stand around and clap each other on the back in the ‘politically correct brigade’. How about getting on with the real issues affecting people such as tackling drugs, theft and crime?"
The MLA's post sparked a wave of criticism of the DUP, which has refused to nominate ministers to a Stormont Executive unless changes are made to the Northern Ireland Protocol. Legislation to override parts of the protocol is currently making its way through Westminster.
Calls for the DUP - which lost its right to nominate a first minister from its ranks following May's assembly election - to return to devolved government have increased in recent weeks as a result of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis facing families across the north.
Among those to hit out at Mr Buckley's tweet was GAA pundit Joe Brolly, who said in a response: "If only all those police officers didn’t have to police Orange parades...they would be able to solve all the crimes and we would live in a crime free paradise."
Mr Brolly also referred to previous comments made by DUP members relating to members of the LGBTQ community.
He added in another tweet about the party: "They can’t rely on logical argument or facts since their policy positions are not defensible. So, they sell hatred & division, anti catholic, anti LGBTQ, anti everything to their base. Frightening them is easier than real politics."
Comedian Tim McGarry responded with: "I wonder how a @duponline MLA has so much free time to write such drivel. Oh hang on..."
Meanwhile, Mr Buckley's fellow Upper Bann MLA, Eoin Tennyson of the Alliance Party, said the tweet "says it all about DUP priorities".
He added: "Relaxed about rising destitution and soaring waiting lists, but incensed at the smallest gesture of inclusion. Lecturing others about how to do their jobs while refusing to do their own. Brass-necked and tin-eared."
Belfast Green Party councillor Anthony Flynn tweeted: "At one time the DUP were championing the bigoted 'save ulster from sodomy' campaign and have consistently tried to deny us rights for decades.
He added: "When the right vilify 'politically correct', they're often just covering up their own prejudices. P.S get back to work."
The Irish News reached out to the DUP last night.
