Ulster Unionist Leader Mike Nesbitt has hit out at Sinn Fein’s hypocrisy in demanding respect from others, whilst seeming incapable of showing it themselves.

Mr Nesbitt said:

“Gerry Adams’ most recent comments describing Owen Paterson as ‘a complete tube’ demonstrate the hypocrisy at the heart of Sinn Fein, a party that demands respect but which all too often demonstrates itself as being incapable of showing it to others.

“In November 2014 Gerry Adams referred to Unionist as ‘bastards.’’ In fact, when talking about equality, he said, ‘the point is to break these bastards.’

“In September 2011 the then DCAL Minister Caral Ni Chuilin described the former Irish Justice Minister Michael McDowell as a ‘complete gobshite.’

“Just over two weeks ago MEP Martina Anderson delivered a rant to an empty Strasbourg Chamber and in a reference to the border, told the Prime Minister to ‘stick it where the sun don’t shine.’

“In February 2017 when Michelle Gildernew’s said that Sinn Fein would 'put manners' on Arlene Foster, Michelle O’Neill said ‘I think that kind of language isn't appropriate... I think it's too far... because I am somebody who is interested in integrity and respect. I have spoken to Michelle. That's not helpful language, it's not language I would use.”

“One wonders if Michelle O’Neill plans to speak to Gerry Adams and Martina Anderson as well.

“For a party that tries to portray itself as modern and progressive, Sinn Fein has a troubling propensity for demonstrating intolerance and a lack of respect on a grand scale. 

“Every so often the mask slips and you really have to wonder just how far they have really moved from their old racist rhetoric of Brits Out?”