SDLP minister apologises for his abortion 'joke' at women's manifesto launch

SDLP Environment Minister Mark H. Durkan has apologised after Sinn Féin Foyle MLA Maeve McLaughlin called on him to withdraw a “crass and insulting” remark about abortion he made on Wednesday during the launch in Derry of a women's manifesto.

The SDLP minister said in opening remarks on a panel to some 80 women:

“Let's address the elephant in the room – or should that be the elephant in the womb.”

Maeve McLaughlin (pictured) immediately called on the minister to retract the comment and asked:

“How could an SDLP minister be so crass and insensitive to say this, particularly when it occurred at an event to launch a manifesto highlighting women's rights.

“I am calling on Mark H. Durkan to withdraw this insulting remark and to publicly apologise for his unacceptable comments.”

On Thursday, Mark H. Durkan told BBC Radio Foyle that the incident was a bad attempt at humour.

“First and foremost, I'd like to apologise for any offence my remark caused,” the SDLP minister said.

“It was an ill-judged attempt to bring a bit of levity to what was a very serious discussion. I regretted doing it immediately.

“I also regret the fact that it may have overshadowed what was an extremely positive event discussing many serious and important issues.

“It was not funny and it was wrong.”