Stormont Communities Minister Lyons Defends Social Media Post Amid Larne Riots Criticism

Stormont Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has defended a social media post he made regarding individuals temporarily moved to Larne Leisure Centre following disturbances in Ballymena, insisting he does not believe an apology is warranted despite criticism of "poor judgment." The post, made hours before a crowd gathered and set the leisure centre alight causing significant damage, stated that those displaced had since been moved out of Larne and urged peaceful protest while condemning violence. Lyons explained that he was encouraged by police to reassure the public that no one was sheltering at the leisure centre and noted that the location had already been publicized by others. Opposition leader Matthew O’Toole criticized Lyons for lacking empathy toward those displaced and urged him to express regret for causing fear among vulnerable individuals, but Lyons rejected these accusations and accused critics of attempting to score political points. He emphasized that his intention was to counter circulating rumors and maintain public order. The issue was debated at the Assembly where Lyons faced questioning over the timing and impact of his post.