There has been criticism among some on social media after an online headline in The Times described Michelle O’Neill of Sinn Fein as a “pregnant student”.
This comes as the media in the UK and around the world reacted to the outcome of the Assembly elections and the emergence of Sinn Fein as the largest party in Stormont.
The Times’ profile article on Ms O’Neill, published on Saturday following the results of the Assembly elections, was originally entitled “From Pregnant Schoolgirl to the Next Leader of Northern Ireland”, before being later modified by the newspaper.
The author of the article, journalist Rosamund Urwin, defended the article online, saying it “speaks to the prejudices of society and she says so herself.”
“I think this story is inspiring. “Obviously the headlines are not written by reporters,” she added.
Some on Twitter described the original title as “really inappropriate,” while others called it “incorrect.”
In response to the article, former DUP special adviser Richard Bulik wrote: “I don’t think it will be news that I’m not a fan of Sinn Fein, but I’m not sure this is an appropriate title.
However, others defended the article with online user Sheila Fitz, who tweeted: “So many people are upset about this.
“But Michelle speaks openly about the discrimination and the difficulties she faces as a teenage mother. And how to make it sustainable. She is treated fairly in the article.
“After all, headlines sell stories, and that’s a good story.”
Emma Rainey added: “The rest of the article wasn’t put that way – it was actually nice. I’m glad to see that the title has at least changed from what I see. “
They contacted Sinn Fein for a response.
The outcome of the Northern Ireland Assembly elections became widely acclaimed around the world, as the world’s media attention was focused on how Stormont would take shape.
There was considerable interest on both sides of the Atlantic, as news outlets ran their main bulletins and front pages of history.
Shiny Fein and Michelle O’Neill’s Mary Lou MacDonald, who appear hand in hand at Saturday’s scene countdown, dominate many of the shows.
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Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou MacDonald (center right) and Michelle O’Neill (center left) at the Magherafelt in Co Londonderry (Liam McBurney / Pennsylvania)
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Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou MacDonald (center right) and Michelle O’Neill (center left) at the Magherafelt in Co Londonderry (Liam McBurney / Pennsylvania)
The Sunday Times described Northern Ireland as a “febrile state” as they said Sinn Fein’s election result would rekindle tensions over Brexit.
The Observer, meanwhile, led the Nationalist Party’s historic election result, which led the election and returned 27 MLAs – describing the victory as “seismic”.
The Independent says the result “heralds a new era” for Northern Ireland, with Sinn Fein emerging as the largest party for the first time.
The coverage was also significant south of the border, with the Irish Times focusing on calls from Secretary of State Brandon Lewis for the DUP to return to Stormont and nominate a deputy prime minister.
The Irish Post on Sunday focused on Tanaist Leo Varadkar’s comments that a post-election border poll is now less likely.
There has also been considerable interest in the United States over recent events, as American newspapers and media have absorbed the result.
The New York Times claims that when Britain withdrew from the EU, Northern Ireland turned to Sinn Féin.
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