The Baglady, also known as Shirley Lewis has said the reaction to the Assembly minister's actions and comments, has put environmental issues firmly in the spotlight.

Shirley, pictured left, said: "I don't think anyone could quite believe that our Environment minister took it upon himself to ban this television advertisement. Sammy's immature, irresponsible behaviour and political incompetence has given a great airing to environment issues.

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"While I am totally opposed to his decision to ban this advert, I think the furore he has caused has done more for our cause than any television advertisement could have achieved.

"The Environment Minister has provoked debate up and down the country by his comments, and I think this has to be a good thing, and I would like to thank him for that. But seriously, his actions and comments are unacceptable in this day and age when the evidence to support climate change is overwhelming. This man is supposed to be in charge of environmental issues here in Northern Ireland."

Shirley who has worked tirelessly with school children in eco-awareness, added: "Here in Ballymena we have the Ecos centre, which the Council was involved with. I think Sammy's comments would have hit a raw nerve with local people here.

"The Baglady is all about raising awareness of green issues, and thanks to Sammy a lot more people are talking about it now. There are still a lot of people who share Sammy's views and it is exactly those people who we need to reach."