An MLA has apologised for “disrespecting” a Stormont committee after he was spotted shopping online for shoes during a meeting.
The DUP’s Alex Easton was seen browsing a website for what looked like Chelsea style boots during a meeting of the Health Committee which was discussing issues including care homes and plans to ramp up testing and contact-tracing during the Coronavirus epidemic.
A live stream of Thursday morning’s committee showed Mr Easton looking at a pair of boots on his tablet.
At the same time, Public Health Agency officials were giving evidence about their response to the pandemic.
In a statement issued by the DUP on Thursday afternoon, Mr Easton said: “I apologise unreservedly for disrespecting the Committee. My shoes were worn through.
"The shops are closed. But that is not an excuse, I should have found time outside of the Committee to resolve the matter. It will not happen again. I have also written to the Assembly Speaker and the Committee Chairman expressing my apologies.”
