Ulster Unionist Health spokesperson, Alan Chambers MLA, has condemned Sammy Wilson for his latest flippant, irresponsible comments and actions which undermine the public health message.
Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson, Alan Chambers MLA, said:
"I found Sammy Wilson`s comments crass. For him to attempt to compare his chances of coming to harm on his motorbike against catching Covid-19 is flippant, irresponsible nonsense. It`s not just about Sammy Wilson coming to harm, it`s about the damage that he could potentially cause to others by his selfish actions. There have been over 1300 Covid-19 deaths in Northern Ireland since the pandemic started and each one has left behind a grieving family and circle of friends.
“Far too many people die in motorcycle accidents, and any death is one too many, but the numbers of people dying in motorcycle accidents in the last year doesn`t come close to the current death rate caused by the Covid-19 virus, nor indeed the number of patients ending up in hospital as a result of a Covid-19 infection. Sammy Wilson seems intent on undermining not only the public health message, but the credibility of his own party`s Executive colleagues. The fact that he and Jim Shannon took it upon themselves to travel from Northern Ireland to Westminster, against the advice of the Speaker, to vote against restrictions applicable in England, while his own colleagues implement similar restrictions in Northern Ireland, tells you all you need to know about the mentality of the DUP`s Westminster wing.
“On Wednesday The Health Minister Robin Swann MLA addressing the Assembly today appealed to everyone in positions of influence and responsibility – ‘including in this House’ – to choose their words carefully going forward. He went on to say ‘please do not make rash comments that could damage public confidence in vaccination. No soundbite or newspaper headline is worth that.’
“The leader of the DUP Arlene Foster MLA joined with other Executive Ministerial colleagues in hammering home the public health messaging in their statements to the Assembly on the same day. Mrs Foster's strong words are in total contrast to the glib remarks made by her party`s Chief Whip in Westminster.
“Mr Wilson's cavalier attitude to avoiding the Covid-19 virus hands ammunition to those who still think the Covid-19 virus is some sort of hoax.
“Sammy Wilson would be well advised to heed the final comments of the Health Minister to the Assembly on Wednesday – ‘Every one of us across Northern Ireland has a role to play in getting through this crisis. Follow public health advice to the letter. Follow the regulations to the letter. Take every possible step to stop the virus spreading.’
“Regrettably, we are not seeing that type of responsible leadership from Sammy Wilson.”