Northern Ireland’s health minister has resigned after making anti gay remarks for the second time in recent days.

Democratic Unionist member Jim Wells had earlier stated that child abuse was more likely in same sex marriages. He made the comments during a candidate’s debate.

He withdrew his comment pleading the strain of his wife’s illness and his job seemed safe then he made another anti gay comment when canvassing at the weekend and encountering a lesbian couple in his South Down constituency.

The couple reported his statements to police and Wells tried to withdraw his second set of remarks and apologize.

However, he has now been forced to resign.

He now faces a police investigation.The resignation comes at a time when his party, the DUP, may well hold the balance of power after the upcoming British election.

Northern Ireland deputy leader Martin McGuinness called Wells “a bigot” after his latest outburst.