Northern Ireland's Health Minister, Jim Wells, is at the centre of a political controversy after he linked child abuse and gay relationships.
During a public debate involving candidates in the South Down Westminster constituency last night, Mr Wells said " You don't bring up a child in a homosexual relationship..that child is far more likely to be abused and neglected..."
Mr Wells subsequently apologised for his comments and said he came to the meeting unprepared as he had been with his wife in hospital where she is recovering from a stroke.
Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness, Northern Ireland's First Minister, said Mr Wells' position as health minister is no longer tenable.
The DUP is standing by him and says he accepts his remarks were offensive.
DUP leader Peter Robinson said his party colleague knew his comments were wrong and urged people to "give him a break", highlighting the stress he had been under due to his wife being in hospital.
British Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said the furore was an indication of the "truly backward-looking views from the DUP", but he would not rule out governing alongside the party after the general election.
The SDLP are to table a motion of no confidence in the minister at Stormont.
Police are also investigating a complaint lodged about the comments made by the South Down MLA at an election husting event in Co Down last night.
The DUP's stance on LGBT issues, such as its opposition to gay marriage, has been subject to greater scrutiny beyond Northern Ireland during the election campaign, given the party's potentially important role in the event of a hung parliament.
