Offensive comedian Frankie Boyle playing at Feile an Phobail this evening

PARENTS of children with disabilities are to mount a protest in west Belfast this evening against Scottish comedian Frankie Boyle.

They say it is inappropriate the show is taking place as part of Féile an Phobail because of controversial jokes Mr Boyle has made in the past about disabled people.

There has been strong opposition to his coming from families of disabled children after he made hurtful jokes about those with Down’s syndrome.

Opponents had demanded the show’s cancellation because of jokes Boyle has told about people with Down’s syndrome during a live concert in five years ago.

Mum Roisin Curran, who has a Down’s syndrome daughter Mia, said Boyle should not be playing at the festiveal.

She said: “He has made fun of the way people with Down’s syndrome speak and he has made a number of references to people with Down’s syndrome dying early”.

Last month, festival organisers said they were “deeply sorry for any hurt or offence” that had been caused by Mr Boyle’s appearance.

They said they would put in place measures to avoid such a situation “arising in the future”.

Festival organisers met those who were opposed to the comedian’s performance but said the gig would go-ahead.

Féile management also gave a pledge to represent the concerns of the group to Boyle’s management.