EDWIN Poots has denied vilifying Professor Colin Harvey after challenging the academic on social media over his views on the IRA’s campaign of violence.
The former DUP leader said he had “legitimate concerns” in questioning the lecturer several times because he had been pictured with Sinn Féin’s Martina Anderson in what Mr Poots termed a “promotional photograph”.
He described former MEP Ms Anderson, who was jailed in 1985 for conspiring to cause explosions, as a “convicted IRA bomber”.
Mr Poots denied vilifying Prof Harvey, who has received sustained criticism from unionist politicians and been the target of online threats.
“Far from vilification I offered him the chance to clarify his position,” he told The Irish News.
“I am concerned that legitimate questions of someone who has chosen to put themselves in a public forum on a controversial issue should be above answering reasonable questions, and those articulating the views of many victims of the IRA are denied the human right of free speech.”
His remarks came as Prof Harvey, a board member of civic nationalist group Ireland’s Future, said he wouldn’t be cowed by intimidation.
In an interview with The Irish News, the Derry-born academic, who has taken steps to improve his personal security, said he had been subjected to a “systematic campaign of intimidation, harassment and threats”.
In response to Mr Poots’s comments, Prof Harvey said: “Edwin is very welcome to come and have a cup of coffee or tea with me at QUB to discuss.”
Meanwhile, Chris Heaton-Harris announced that he would extend the deadline for the formation of an executive, giving him six more weeks before he must call an election. He also outlined plans to cut MLAs’ salaries.
Sinn Féin deputy leader Michelle O’Neill said continued uncertainty around an election date was not good enough and questioned why the secretary of state had not cut the pay solely of DUP MLAs, as it was their party refusing to restore the institutions.
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long welcomed “clarity”, while SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said the focus must be on restoring the institutions.
DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said devolution would be restored if the British government “replaces the protocol with arrangements unionists can support”.
