Sammy Wilson has sparked a Twitter debate after buying an ice cream while declaring you can’t enjoy a poke “when you’re muzzled!”
The social media post appears to have been a swipe at mounting calls for people to wear face masks in shops.
Within three hours of the tweet, the East Antrim MP had been on the receiving end of more than 400 replies.
In a striking move, he even received a rebuke from a party colleague.
South Antrim DUP MLA and Deputy Chair of the Stormont Health Committee Pam Cameron said: "I for one will be wearing a face covering and doing the little bit I can to protect those whose sheilding is paused today".
Another reply was from Alliance Councillor Danny Donnelly who tweeted an image of himself buying an ice cream but while wearing a mask.
Mr Wilson replied with the retort: “Wear a mask if you like Danny but don’t play on people’s fears with weak evidence to force them to do likewise. The customers and staff I spoke with don’t agree with you.”
The DUP has declined to comment officially.
Ulster Unionist Party Chief Whip, Robbie Butler said the “comments are an insult to those people coming off shielding today”.
He added: “He displays an incredible amount of ignorance. Nobody is being asked to wear a face covering while they are eating and his petulant performance is grossly irresponsible.
"Even Donald Trump is now encouraging people to wear face coverings. Sammy should grow up and realise it’s not always all about him.
“It is ironic that Sammy Wilson once again seems to be advocating a policy which puts us at odds with other parts of the United Kingdom. I hope the vast majority of the public will ignore him.”
Earlier this week, Northern Ireland’s Chief Scientific Adviser Professor Ian Young stated: “As many people as possible should wear a face covering in an indoor space where it is not possible to maintain 2m separation from other people.”
