Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson has called on British Secretary of State Theresa Villiers to reconsider her position.
Ms Villiers had backed the “Leave” campaign in last week’s European Referendum in which the North voted to “Remain.”
Yesterday, she said Northern Ireland could not maintain any kind of special status within the EU after Britain withdraws from the union.
That prompted an angry reaction from Ms Anderson who accused Ms Villiers (pictured) of showing “complete contempt” for the democratic wishes of the people of the North.
Ms Anderson said: “Theresa Villiers today dismissed democratic rights and mandate of the people of the North and Scotland who voted to remain in the EU.
“The British Secretary of State is showing complete contempt for the democratic wishes of the people of the north of Ireland.
“Theresa Villiers’ first priority has always been solely on England's national interests.
“In fact, when challengeddirectly about whether she believed a Brexit was in the interests of people in the North – she didn't answer the question.
“The people of the north have never been, and will never be, a priority for Theresa Villiers and therefore she needs to seriously reconsider her position."
Photo shows Ms Villiers during a visit to the Nerve Centre in Derry.
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 07825 711978. Or you can email john.gill@derrynews.net at any time.