'Cavalier and arrogant' Sammy Wilson unmasked again

The concerned traveller, who did not wish to be identified, insisted Mr Wilson's actions were "really not good enough" for a high-profile MP.

Her comments come just two days after there were calls for the PSNI to investigate the DUP member's repeated flouting of Covid-19 regulations.

Mr Wilson had been observed once again wearing his face mask incorrectly while travelling on the London Underground on Monday.

It follows similar incidents on both the tube and another flight.

"Sammy Wilson got on to the plane with his mask under his nose, and got off it again with his mask under his nose. It is really not good enough," the woman told the Belfast Telegraph.

"Flight attendants made three announcements during the flight that masks should be worn properly.

"It was cavalier. It was arrogant. It was the sort of thing that you would expect Dominic Cummings or Donald Trump to do.

"It was a complete disregard for other passengers on the plane, and for the staff."

The female passenger revealed that Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Mr Wilson's party colleague, had also travelled on the same flight but stressed that the Lagan Valley MP wore his mask during the flight.

There is no suggestion Sir Jeffrey did not comply with the Covid requirements.

The woman said that she raised her concerns directly with a flight attendant, who she claimed informed her that staff have for a time wanted Mr Wilson to adhere to the mask rules.

She then insisted the airline should do more to tackle the issue. "I also feel that Aer Lingus have a responsibility; if he lit up a cigarette they won't be long putting him off the flight. He has a duty of care to set an example to other people," she explained.

Mr Wilson could not be reached for comment yesterday. However, a spokesman for the DUP said Mr Wilson should have worn his mask correctly.

"Face coverings have been mandatory on public transport for some time. Their purpose is to protect others rather than the wearer," he said.

"The covering should be worn correctly over the nose, mouth and around the sides of the face. Elected representatives should set an example where possible.

"Mr Wilson should not have worn the mask in this manner on the aeroplane and in the airport waiting lounge."

Aer Lingus said its safety measures "include the mandatory wearing of face masks at all times by all customers and crew" and social distancing.It said it "is incumbent on all passengers to adhere to these measures while travelling with us".

Belfast Telegraph