DUP Assembly Member Joins Calls for First Minister O'Neill's Removal

Diane Forsythe, a Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) assembly member, has echoed calls for the removal of Stormont's First Minister Michelle O'Neill from office. Forsythe stated that the "profound consequences" pledged over Sinn Féin Vice-President O'Neill's handling of a parading dispute must be upheld.

This development follows similar sentiments expressed by MP Carla Lockhart, who stepped down from the DUP's officer board after the party leader, Gavin Robinson, did not move to remove the deputy first minister and force O'Neill from the joint office. The unionist community has expressed anger over O'Neill's involvement in protests on the Garvaghy Road, which obstructed an Orange Order parade in Portadown, County Armagh.

O'Neill and other senior Sinn Féin members have been interviewed by police investigating the demonstrations. Unionists have accused the party of acting unlawfully. O'Neill has defended her presence at the protests, stating she would "continue to stand with the Garvaghy Road residents."

Forsythe, an assembly member for the South Down constituency and part of the DUP's party officer team, voiced her support for Lockhart's stance in a Facebook post. She accused Sinn Féin of "arrogance" and described the anger within the unionist community over O'Neill's actions as "immense."

"It is my view that Michelle O'Neill should be removed from office. The assembly and other ministerial offices would continue until the next election," Forsythe wrote. She added that if meaningful action is not taken, official engagements through the joint Executive Office should cease immediately as a "bare minimum."

Last week, DUP leader Gavin Robinson expressed regret over Lockhart's resignation from the party's officer board, emphasizing that she remains "a key part of our team." Speaking on the BBC's The View program, Robinson indicated that the DUP had reached a democratic decision regarding the fallout from the Drumcree incident. He questioned the necessity of punishing the entire population of Northern Ireland when the focus should be on those who allegedly broke the law, stating that "all options" are being considered.