Frankie Boyle attacks Londonderry BB contestant on Twitter

The expletive filled message read: “Surely Derry people from both sides of the religious divide would like to see punishment beatings brought back for this c**t.”

A friend of Frankie Boyle target and reality TV star Conor McIntyre, local MLA Mark H. Durkan said that while his comments were highly inappropriate, it would be advisable not to take anything he says too seriously.

He said: “Well, his comments display a real lack of understanding about the seriousness of punishment beatings and the impact that they can have on families here.

“However, I am not going to make a big song and dance about this and jump around the place with outrage. I wouldn’t take what he says too seriously. He is allegedly a comedian and social commentator and he goes out of his way to shock.

“I would be quite friendly with the guy (Conor McIntyre). While I don’t agree with his comments, I don’t think it would be a very good idea to be totally outraged – that would be giving Frankie Boyle exactly what he wants.”