It ‘Little Englander’ can be freely used as a term then so can ‘Little Irelander’

I always found it slightly odd that Irish nationalist politicians freely used the term ‘Little Englander’ during the Brexit debate, as they are obviously proud to be nationalists but were outraged that others might show similar characteristics.

However now that a nationalist politician has been accused of being a ‘Little Irelander’ the term is described as “insulting and inflammatory” by the SDLP’s Mark H Durkan and used as a reason to ban Jim Allister from speaking in the Assembly.

While I’m all for the use of temperate language, heated debate and emotive language are sometimes essential to explore issues fully, particularly in a government debating chamber where decisions are being taken on issues with far reaching consequences for us all.

The citing of Jim Allister’s use of the term ‘Little Irelander’ by the Speaker, as a reason to ban him from representing the views of his constituents has set a very dangerous precedent.

James Martin, Dromore, Co Down

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