MLA Sorry for retweeting Sadiq Khan 'enemy within' remark

By Lesley-Anne McKeown

A DUP MLA has apologised for retweeting a post which described London Mayor Sadiq Khan as the "enemy within".

East Londonderry representative Maurice Bradley said in a statement: "I removed earlier RT and apologise for it.

"I disagree with Sadiq Khan's approach to Hezbollah - brutal terrorist apologists. The Mayor has a democratic mandate and his religion is irrelevant."

It is understood Mr Bradley has also deleted his Twitter account and has given up using the social media platform.

The controversial tweet read: "The enemy within: Muslim Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, refuses to support ban of Hezbollah terror group, says he must consider if it is the 'right thing to do'."

In a statement the DUP said the post did not represent the party's views.

A spokesman said: "Maurice has rightly removed the retweet. It did not represent the DUP's views.

"This matter will be considered by the Party Officers."

The row comes just days after DUP MP Ian Paisley said sorry for retweeting a a remark on Ramadan by right-wing commentator Katie Hopkins.

On Monday, Mr Paisley apologised for retweeting her message, which read: "March 2018. London has a higher murder rate than New York... And Ramadan's not yet begun."

The DUP representative subsequently apologised to his Twitter followers.

He said: "Mea culpa earlier today I glanced at a tweet & rt about # of murders in London. Didn't take cognisance of Ramadan ref. Once brought to my attention immediately deleted. Apologise profusely for offence caused."

His apology was welcomed by Islamic leaders in Belfast but they said the timing of Mr Paisley's retweet was "unfortunate", given anxiety within the community over an unrelated race hate campaign in England urging people to target Muslims.