MLA left 'disgusted' after being 'shouted at' by Minister

The Alliance Party's Kate Nicholl has expressed her "disgust" at apparently being "shouted at" by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.

The South Belfast MLA had been attempting to raise a point of order in the Assembly chamber on childcare funding when the Minister could be seen crossing the chamber and saying something in her direction as he left the chamber.

Seconds later, SDLP's Sinead McLaughlin took to her feet to raise a second point of order and inform the chamber that the Minister had indeed told Ms Nicholl to "sit down".

READ MORE: Elite Irish amateur boxer caught with drugs haul and cash sentenced

READ MORE: Northern Ireland pensioners to receive £100 one off payment after winter fuel cuts

"Our Minister, the Minister for Communities walked past where another member was making a point of order and shouted over to her 'sit down', is that in order?," she asked.

This led to discussion on the floor on whether the comment would appear in Hansard as the Minister was not speaking at a microphone when he made the comment.

Deputy Speaker John Blair advised the chamber that the matter would be referred to the Speaker's Office for advice.

Taking to X, Kate Nicholl said: "Disgusted that the Minister of Communities shouted at me twice to sit down as I was making a legitimate point of order regarding childcare funding.

"Aggressive, arrogant and have to say - doubt it would have happened if I was a man."

The Department for Communities have been approached for comment.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our politics newsletter here.