Derry hotelier resigns from NI post over sectarian abuse incident

A leading Derry hotelier at the centre of a sectarian abuse incident outside a city centre pub has resigned from the board of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation.

Ramona Wylie (pictured) has also been suspended as a director of the Best Western Plus White Horse Hotel following last Sunday night’s incident which was recorded on a mobile phone and posted on social media on Friday night.

Confirming Ms Wylie’s resignation had been accepted, Janice Gault, chief executive of the Northern Hotels Federation, said they “did not condone sectarian behaviour of any kind.”

Ms Gault said Ms Wylie had apologised for her behaviour “personally and directly to those involved” and that it was understood that it had been accepted.

Issam Horshi, managing director of the White Horse Hotel, said Ms Wylie’s behaviour had “shocked and disappointed us.”

He added: “It was unacceptable and cannot be condoned.”

He added: “Although the incident occurred while our employee was off duty, we take the matter extremely seriously.” Mr Horshi said Ms Wylie had been suspended from her position pending a “fuller investigation.”

See tomorrow’s Derry News for full story.