The DUP MP Sammy Wilson has told a constituent that there are some diseases that affect a lot more people than AIDS does.

In response to a letter asking whether he would wear a red ribbon to support World AIDS Day, Mr Wilson suggested that there were other illnesses that were more worthy of attention.

“Personally I believe that there are areas of medicine and diseases that have not received the same attention as AIDS and which afflict far more people that are not always as a result of lifestyle choices and which therefore deserve higher priorities than they have been given at present,” he said.

“Whilst I appreciate you have concerns about people who are living with AIDS, I am sure that you will also appreciate that there are people who suffer from mental health problems, dementia and cancer which also have a huge impact on their lives and which are equally deserving of resources.”

It follows a motion brought by Mr Wilson’s party being passed on Tuesday in the Assembly, pledging to raise awareness and prevention levels of AIDS in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland’s only HIV charity Positive Life said that the comments made by the DUP MP only served to highlight the work that needed to be done to promote understanding.

SDLP MLA Claire Hanna condemned the comments made by Mr Wilson.

"Well it's not surprising, but its' disappointing," she said.

"World AIDS Day is about raising awareness, it's about tackling stigma and reassuring people with HIV that they will receive protection in law and care without judgement.

"HIV is certainly not a lifestyle choice but fro Sammy Wilson, World AIDS Day is just another opportunity for a mean kick and a cheap headline."

Mr Wilson, who was in London on Wednesday, wasn't availabe to do an interview with UTV - but the DUP released a statement on the matter.