Jim Wells pictured just last week with the Republic’s first openly gay health minister Leo Varadkar
DERRY MLA Maeve McLaughlin has welcomed the resignation of Health Minister Jim Wells.
The Sinn Fein health spokesperson said Mr Wells’ resignation had been the “right decision”.
“Mr Wells has clearly been under increased pressure as a result of his wife’s serious illness and his decision to step down was the right thing to do,” she added.
“However, his position as health minister was clearly untenable after his attack on the LGBT community which was completely unacceptable from someone holding the position.”
Mr Wells said he was no longer able to continue his ministerial duties and give his wife “the attention she deserves”.
“As many people are aware I have been focused on helping my wife during her fight for life,” he added.
“Those who know my family and I, know the last three months have been the toughest of our lives as we watched my wife, Grace, suffer two successive strokes and battle through major heart surgery.”
“However, as she now faces further challenges I have come to the point where I am no longer able to continue my ministerial duties and give Grace the attention she deserves,” he added.
He said he had met with Northern Ireland first minister and DUP leader Peter Robinson and requested to stand down from ministerial office.
The PSNI said it had received three complaints regarding the conduct of an individual in Rathfriland, County Down, on Saturday evening.
It is alleged that Jim Wells, who was doing door-to-door canvassing, called at a lesbian couple’s house, and during a conversation was critical of their lifestyle.
The daughter of one of the women said her mother was upset.
She said Mr Wells had gone back to the house twice saying he wanted to apologise. But the couple would not accept the apology, because, they claimed, Mr Wells said he did not agree with their lifestyle choice.
Joint First Minister Peter Robinson said he respected Mr Wells’ decision.
He said Mr Wells was right to put his family first and he would “fully support” him.
Mr Robinson said Mr Wells would continue in his position until 11 May, when the new minister would take up office.
“In the meantime, I have requested that the finance minister, Simon Hamilton, assume some of Jim’s duties to release some of the pressure,” he added.
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