Sinn Féin Employee Resigns After Portrait Damage

A Sinn Féin assembly employee has resigned after admitting involvement in the damage of a portrait of former DUP Lord Mayor Wallace Browne at Belfast City Hall during a celebration event for the Irish language group Glór na Móna. The portrait was removed and its glass smashed, prompting an investigation by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) after the incident on October 19. This controversy adds to a series of recent issues facing Sinn Féin, including multiple high-profile resignations linked to inappropriate conduct. The DUP condemned the act, calling it potentially motivated by sectarianism or antisemitism, and demanded a thorough investigation. Sinn Féin has suspended the employee and reported the incident to the PSNI, emphasizing their commitment to address the situation. Belfast City Council has stated they are assessing the damage and hope to repair the portrait soon.