r Beattie has faced criticism after leaving the rally. There is no indication that the organizers of Friday’s protest are linked to the poster. The poster was turned around, removed from view, by Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and Jim Allister after locating it, before the proceedings began. Mr Alistair told the Belfast Telegraph he realized he had been placed near the podium before the crowd arrived. He said it was “completely inappropriate”. He also told the PA that if someone put it on to “convey evil”, that “they were stupid”. UUP members spoke out in anger over the incident.

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Jim Allister (right) and DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson remove a poster of Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie from their eyes during a rally against the Northern Ireland Protocol at Brownlow House in Lurgan, County Armagh. Photo: Liam McBurney / PA Wire PA Jim Allister (right) and DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson remove a poster of Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie from their eyes during a rally against the Northern Ireland Protocol at Brownlow House in Lurgan, County Armagh. Photo: Liam McBurney / PA Wire Election candidate Daryl Wilson tweeted: “The man in the poster has done more for his country and has more courage on his little finger than the coward who pulled a noose around his neck. “The constant, persistent, divisive attacks by individuals on the internet have become a reality.” East Belfast candidate Lauren Kerr said: “The mental gymnastics that must be involved to try to confront Lady, a military veteran who has traveled to all continents promoting trade unionism. “If he is between Doug and the clown who painted a noose around his neck, I know who I would prefer to represent trade unionism.” Faithful activist Jamie Bryson, who spoke at the rally, also criticized those responsible. “This ‘trick’ was embarrassing. “It does not represent the movement against the Protocol and you have to wonder on whose agenda those who put it there work,” he wrote on Twitter. “Doug (in my opinion) has nothing to do with the Protocol, but he remains a distinguished military veteran worthy of respect.” In a tweet, Mr. Beattie urged UUP candidates, activists and supporters not to lose heart. He said: “The second week of the election campaign is over. Do not lose heart, do not listen to critics, do what others would not do, adding “It is not the critic who counts”. Thousands marched on Co Armagh in one of the largest anti-protocol demonstrations to date. Mr Beattie was originally scheduled to speak at the rally, but his anger was raised by trade unions and loyalists, who said he would not take part in the protests, as they were “raising tensions”.

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Jim Allister (right) and DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson remove a poster of Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie – apparently with a noose around his neck – from their eyes during a rally against the Protocol. Northern Ireland at Brownlow House in Lurgan, County Armagh. Photo: Liam McBurney / PA Wire PA Jim Allister (right) and DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson remove a poster of Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie – apparently with a noose around his neck – from their eyes during a rally against the Protocol. Northern Ireland at Brownlow House in Lurgan, County Armagh. Photo: Liam McBurney / PA Wire Mr Beattie said anti-protocol rallies were “increasing tensions that are now fueling a resurgence of UVF activity” following a security alert in north Belfast on March 25, when Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney was evacuated from a peace rally. The group behind Friday’s rally in Beattie’s Upper Bann constituency – Lurgan United Unionists – rejected a proposal to meet with the UUP leader to discuss his decision to leave the protest. They argued that it would be “inappropriate” to meet with Mr Beattie in person, citing the politician’s refusal to “deal with his constituents and trade unionists on an issue of paramount importance”. DUP leader Sir Jeffrey, who was attacked by a small number of people in the crowd, told the crowd that the union had the right to express its opposition to the protocol in a “public and peaceful manner”, while Mr Allister referred to the statements. by Mr Beattie as “Conspiracy of Protesters and Protesters”. Thousands participated in Friday’s rally …