Emma Little-Pengelly defends Wimbledon trip as chance to promote NI

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His criticism echoed those of other parties earlier this week, including the Social Democratic and Labour Party's (SDLP's) Matthew O'Toole who said the spending "beggars belief" and Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) assembly member Timothy Gaston who questioned the "justification for the public paying the bill".

The criticism began when the deputy first minister and her husband Mr Pengelly were pictured at centre court's Royal Box alongside celebrities including American pop star Olivia Rodrigo, professional wrestler John Cena and former England football manager Roy Hodgson.

A Freedom of Information request by the Irish News, external revealed that more than £980 was spent on the trip.

In the face of the criticism, the DUP said on Thursday the invitation was issued "in her capacity as deputy first minister and will be registered in the normal way".

Both the deputy first minister and First Minister Michelle O'Neill were invited to Wimbledon, but O'Neill did not take up the invitation.

The Executive Office (TEO) said O'Neill did attend the All-Ireland Football semi-final between Tyrone and Kerry later in July but there were "no costs" associated with that trip.

On the deputy first minister's trip to Wimbledon, the Executive Office said details of gifts and hospitality received by ministers are recorded on the 'Register of Ministers' Gifts and Hospitality Received'.

It previously said that the deputy first minister "flew economy" and that while she was accompanied by her husband, there was "no additional expenditure" incurred by the TEO on his behalf.

It also said the travel and accommodation costs were "in line with NICS (Northern Ireland Civil Service) police".

The Education Authority said "no spend was incurred" by it and the trip was "made in a personal capacity" while Mr Pengelly was on annual leave.