Ex-mayor calls amputee 'stumpy'

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A former Larne mayor has been criticised for referring to a disabled colleague as "stumpy".

Danny O'Connor made the comment to DUP councillor Bobby McKee at a council meeting on Monday during a heated exchange about a planning application.

Mr McKee, a former member of the UVF, lost both his legs in a car bomb attack in 1974.

The SDLP representative apologised for his outburst and said he had lost his temper and was "truly sorry".

Speaking to the BBC, Mr McKee said he had been "deeply hurt" by the remarks, but added that he accepted Mr O'Connor's apology.

"What started off as a legitimate concern about a planning application erupted into a bit of an argument and the statement was made," he said.

Mr McKee, a founding member of the Northern Ireland Amputees Association, said he would not be taking the matter any further.

"He accused me of bullying and said that I had been a colonel in the UVF, but that was 35 years ago.

"I have moved on from there and I would like to think that I have made a positive contribution to both sides of the community since then.

"I lost two legs as a result of the Troubles, it is hard to take when someone calls you stumpy.

"I welcome the fact that he has apologised and we will move on."

An SDLP spokesman said Mr O'Connor did not want to comment on the issue.