Saturday, September 20, 2025

Police called again as Burke family picket DUP conference for a second day

A high-profile evangelical Christian family have protested at the DUP conference for a second day.

Police were called to the La Mon hotel in Co Down after members of the Burke family showed up again.

It came hours after family members confronted Education Minister Paul Givan after doorstepping him at the event.

Enoch Burke has been at the centre of a long-running case in the Irish Republic which began three years ago after he refused to use a transgender student's chosen pronouns because of his Christian beliefs.

He has since been jailed for repeatedly showing up at Wilson's Hospital School, a Church of Ireland boarding school in Westmeath, after being sacked.

Members of the Burke family have been filmed attempting to speak to several DUP politicians in recent weeks.

Last night Mr Burke’s mother Martina and brother Josiah were filmed approaching Mr Givan outside the DUP conference.

Mr Givan, who recorded the incident on his mobile, invited them to come inside to a more private area, saying he was happy to speak to them.

Inside, they branded the Education Minister “a disgrace”, and accused him of promoting LBGT rights at schools.

Mr Givan invited them to take a seat, which they refused, and he asked someone to record the exchange.

Soon afterwards, someone who appeared to be a plain-clothed police officer instructed the family to leave, saying they are on private property.

Later, two PSNI officers attended and were filmed speaking to the family.

The DUP, Mr Givan and the PSNI have been contacted for comment.