Minister apologises for comment at women’s sport event

The organisers of a female empowerment conference have welcomed an apology from the communities minister after he said the “good-looking” attendees had been seated at the front.

Gordon Lyons was speaking at a leadership event for women in business and sport.

Headline speakers at the event included sports broadcaster Gabby Logan, and Larne Olympian Danielle Hill.

Lyons said he recognised his comments had offended members of the audience and “for that I apologise unreservedly”.

His comments at the Impact Players event prompted groans from the crowd, with one audience member telling BBC News NI, many asked themselves, “did he really just say that?”

First reported in the Belfast Telegraph, Lyons is understood to have said he could not see the back of the hall to see all the guests but said the “good-looking ones” must have been seated at the front.

Organiser Lisa Strutt told BBC Radio Ulster’s Talkback programme: “I’m glad that he’s apologised.”

She said it angered people in the audience and it overshadowed the good work that the department is doing.

Ms Strutt said: “I think it’s a shame that we’re even having to talk about this because it’s ironic, organising a conference with really big plans, big ambitions to elevate women in business and sport, to bring some of the biggest names that we can think of to Belfast, to have these conversations to talk about high performance.”

She said women encounter “this sort of thing in sport and business all the time”.

Sinead Sharkey-Steenson, also an event organiser, said it was one moment in a day full of “magic moments where so many brilliant voices were heard”.

“Let’s not let the voice of one man over shadow the voice of 20 powerful women that spoke on that day and lifted the audience,” she said.

Asked if Lyons will be invited to next year’s event, they said those discussions will be had.

After Lyons spoke at the event, a panel followed and included leadership consultant Tony McGaharan.

He said the minister’s comments were “absolutely inappropriate”.

“When someone puts their foot in it, I think it’s important to call it out in order for everyone to move on and take value from the event,” he said.

Mr McGaharan told the audience, “don’t worry I won’t be making any comments about your appearances”.

In a statement released through the minister’s Department for Communities, Lyons, said: “At the event, a host asked me if I agreed that everyone was looking well and I recognise that my response has offended some of the audience members and for that I apologise unreservedly.

“I hope it does not detract from my message and support that day for women who are leading the way in business and sport.

“I will continue this work in my capacity as minister, ensuring we increase the visibility of female leaders and role models who help to inspire the next generation of girls to get involved and become the leaders of tomorrow.”