Wilson adapted a Christmas song in order to mock new measures announced in Northern Ireland on Wednesday.
Democratic Unionist Party MP Sammy Wilson has been criticised for a tweet in which he appeared to mock the latest round of Covid-related restrictions announced in Northern Ireland this week.
On Wednesday evening, the Stormont Executive confirmed new measures designed to curb the spread of the virus, including the closure of nightclubs at 8pm and limitations on the number of possible household meetings.
The restrictions come into effect from Sunday, 26 December.
In response, Sammy Wilson – a frequently outspoken anti-lockdown figure – took to Twitter to repurpose classic Christmas song ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’ in a bid to reflect the current situation.
“Hark the herald angels ping, Robin Swann won’t let us do a thing,” Wilson’s tweet began.
“No more parties, work at home. In the streets you cannot roam.
“Omni is far worse than the Delta curse. Stay at home or they’ll be far worse to come.”
Hark the herald angels ping
Robin Swann won’t let us do a thing
No more parties, work at home
In the streets you cannot roam
Omni is far worse than the delta curse
Stay at home
Or they’ll be far worse to come.
— Sammy Wilson MP 🇺🇦🇬🇧 (@eastantrimmp) December 22, 2021
The tweet led to backlash, with Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie branding Wilson “pathetic” and a “narcissistic fool” while accusing his rival of downplaying the severity of the virus.
“Juvenile, pathetic, moronic, self indulgent, narcissistic fool who jokes as people get sick, as people die, as families grieve,” said Beattie.
“Northern Ireland deserves better,” he added.
Juvenile, pathetic, moronic, self indulgent, narcissistic fool who jokes as people get sick, as people die, as families grieve.
Northern Ireland Deserves Better https://t.co/3Um4c018MI
— Doug Beattie (@BeattieDoug) December 22, 2021
Wilson has form when it comes to this specific seasonal approach, having previously adapted ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’ in similar fashion following the prospect of new Covid restrictions arising in the UK last month.
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