By Jonathan McCambridge, PA
DUP MP Ian Paisley has personally apologised to the North's Health Minister Robin Swann for calling him “dangerous” on stage alongside Van Morrison, his party leader said.
Edwin Poots said Mr Paisley’s actions at the Europa Hotel in Belfast were wrong and should never have happened.
The row erupted after four gigs by the musician at the hotel were cancelled at the last minute last Thursday because live music is still not permitted under coronavirus regulations.
Following the cancellation, Mr Morrison, an outspoken critic of Covid-19 restrictions, took to the stage and addressed the audience of 140, chanting “Robin Swann is very dangerous!”
Video footage then showed him inviting DUP MP Mr Paisley on to the stage, where they continued the chant.
Mr Poots told the BBC that he had seen the video and that Mr Paisley had got himself into an “awkward situation”.
He said: “It shouldn’t have happened, I spoke to Ian immediately after that. Ian agreed that it shouldn’t have happened. Ian agreed with me that he would apologise to Robin Swann and Ian has subsequently apologised to Robin Swann.
“I welcome that and I trust that we can now move forward.”
Mr Poots added: “He apologised in person to Robin Swann and I am making that public knowledge, I am not sure that Robin wanted Ian to make that public knowledge.
“Ian got himself into an awkward situation. Van Morrison called him on to the stage, but his reaction was wrong, he accepts his reaction was wrong, he has apologised for his wrongdoing and I trust that will be the end of the matter.”
The actions of Mr Paisley have been heavily criticised by politicians from other parties who had urged Mr Poots to take action against the MP.
On Sunday, Sinn Féin’s Colm Gildernew, chairman of the Stormont Health Committee, said: “I thought it was a disgrace. It was delivered quite aggressively and with an air of menace.”
Ulster Unionist MLA Mike Nesbitt said: “Ian Paisley will know that Robin Swann has faced death threats during the course of this pandemic. I think the party leader and the incoming First Minister [Paul Givan] need to take action against Ian Paisley, because what he did was a disgrace.”
Following the incident, Mr Paisley released a statement in which he said he does not believe Mr Swann is dangerous.
He added: “I was put on the spot and called to the stage and tried to bring matters to a close by referencing some of Van’s music. What was parody, comedy, banter and sarcasm should not be blown out of all proportion.”
