10/02/2016

Formal Complaint Made Over DUP MLA's Alleged Sexist Comments

A formal complaint has been made to the Assembly Commissioner after a DUP MLA was recorded making alleged sexist and ageist comments.

A microphone picked up the DUP's Jim Wells MLA making comments during an open session of the Assembly's Public Accounts Committee on 03 February.

In a conversation with UUP MLA Ross Hussey, Mr Wells is heard talking about someone who reminds him of First Minister Arlene Foster, and said: "Scared the wits out of me."

Mr Wells is also heard saying: "I'm brilliant with women under eight and over 80 and dreadful with the ones in between. I can't cope with women between eight and 80."

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has written to the Assembly Commissioner for Standards Douglas Bain to see whether they represent a breach of the Assembly Code of conduct.

Mr Dickson said: "The Code states members should promote equality of opportunity and not discriminate against any person regardless of anything. That would clearly not be the case if such comments as alleged were made.

"I look forward to his response and Mr Wells' explanation of his alleged comments."

(CD/LM)

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