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Arlene Foster has been urged to withdraw "sexist remarks" she made about Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill.

The DUP leader was asked in an interview with a Sunday newspaper what she thought of several Sinn Fein representatives.

When asked about Sinn Fein's leader in the North Michelle O'Neill, Arlene said: "I don't want to be sexist because I can't..."

When prompted by the journalist from Sunday Independent to, "go on, it's not sexist if it's true."

Arlene replied: "Blonde."

She continued: "Michelle is very attractive. She presents herself very well and she is- you know- her appearance is always very 'the same'.

"You never see her without her make-up. You never see her without her hair [looking] perfect."

The comments have been met with fierce criticism from Sinn Fein who have urged Mrs Foster to withdraw her remarks.

Mrs O'Neill's daughter also took to social media to defend her mother.

Saoirse tweeted: "Disgraceful Arlene, mummy has blonde hair yes, she also has class, smarts [sic] & strong leadership skills that empower the great women around her."

Sinn Fein MLA Elisha McCallion said: "The sexist and disparaging remarks made by Arlene Foster in relation to Michelle O'Neill are nothing short of disgraceful.



"It is totally unacceptable in the 21st Century for a political leader to characterise another political leader based on the colour of their hair.



"The irony of talking about sexism and misogyny appears to be totally lost on Arlene Foster when she makes such remarks about others.

(Image: Lorcan Doherty/Press Eye)





"For Arlene Foster to talk in such a disparaging manner about someone she supposedly wants to share power with once again highlights the DUP's lack of acceptance of the principles of equality, integrity and respect."

The MLA continued: "It is also clear that she is still in denial about her own disastrous failures as architect of the RHI scheme, its potential to take almost £500m out of public services and the damage RHI and other financial scandals associated with the DUP did to public confidence in the political institutions.



"Arlene Foster and the DUP need to immediately withdraw these offensive remarks which do a disservice to women in politics and to equality and respect."

In the same interview with the Sunday Independent, Mrs Foster opens up on the difficult times for her family growing up having to leave their home in Fermanagh after her father was shot.

She also talks about her teenager daughter's tears on reading hurtful comments about her mum on social media.

Mrs Foster said: "It was particularly bad for [my daughter] Sarah who has just turned 17. She is a pretty, strong, independent girl like her mother, but there wear tears. That was very tough.

"Of course when you're a femal politican your appearance is always under scrutiny [but] some things that have been said about my appearance , 'Is she really a man', you know that's pretty hard to take when you are the daughter of that person."