Vile comment posted on Twitter against Diane Dodds provokes disgust as Chief Constable responds

DUP MLA Diane Dodds shared the image above, of herself and her two dogs, as she wished Twitter followers best wishes for the New Year.

There has been outrage and disgust after a social media user posted a vile comment under DUP MLA Diane Dodds, referring to the former Economy Minister’s child, Andrew, who was born with Spina Bifida, and who sadly died in 1998 when he was only eight-years-old.

Mrs Dodds had taken to Twitter on Friday (31 December) to post best wishes to her followers for the New Year, along with the photograph (above) with her two dogs. She said:

“A Happy New Year. Wishing you good health, good friends and being able to enjoy making memories in 2022.”

However, while most people appreciated the thoughtful words, one user sparked shock with his “vile” reply. The user going by the name ‘Paul’, with his location marked as ‘Antrim, Republic of Ireland’, tweeted the following:

Arlene Foster, former DUP Leader, and close friend of Diane Dodds, this morning retweeted the response and commented:

“I have just retweeted one of the most vile things I have read on Twitter, and I have read some awful stuff on Twitter. I want people to see what republicans are tweeting to unionist representatives - there must be action. #stoponlinehate”.

Nigel Dodds pictured with son Andrew who sadly passed away in 1998.

Other Twitter users from all political sides quickly responded with disbelief and disgust, and called for the police to take action.

It is understood, though no reference was made to a specific incident, PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne responded this afternoon stating:

“Earlier today we received a report of offensive comments made towards an individual on social media. We take incidents of this nature very seriously. We have spoken with her and our inquiries are continuing.”