A DUP councillor has said he will not apologise after he told a Co Down woman to stop "slabbering" when she questioned a council decision to spend £5,000 on a Christmas event for staff.

DUP councillor William Walker made the remarks on Facebook this week during a debate about a recent council decision to set the cash aside for the festive bash.

The row erupted after Crossgar woman Fiona McKay voiced concern about the move on a Facebook page owned by Newry, Mourne and Down SDLP councillor Terry Andrews - who sits on the committee that made the decision.

The 39-year-old had earlier questioned the decision to hand over the cash.

In response Mr Walker challenged Ms McKay to spend time with him and Mr Andrews to see how they work.

He later added: "Silence is golden I rest my case. So stop the slabbering Mrs McKay."

He then told another poster "the person who should be stopping the slabbering is Mrs McKay".

Speaking to the Irish News last night Ms McKay said she was "taken aback" by the comments adding "it's water off a duck's back".

"I would not be behind the door in coming forward about the council's spending," she said.

"I would be concerned that they are spending that money, it's ratepayers' money, and there are other things it could be used for."

Mr Walker defended his comments last night.

"I don't think I went too far," he said.

"As you understand, in politics things are said in the heat of the moment."

The DUP man said he will not be apologising for the remark and defended the use of the cash.

"The money was well spent, the staff are starting to bond together," he said.

"They are getting to know their colleagues from the other end of the district."

He said that when the cost is broken down per it amounts to just £7.50 a head.