Councillor 'deplores' attacks on public representatives in Mayo

A councillor has criticised “fake news” and the unfair treatment of public representatives by a small minority.

Independent Cllr Patsy O’Brien said the focus on immigration has led to a lot of vitriol but he did not refer to any specific incident. Last month, plans to house 50 male international protection applicants at JJ Gannon's Hotel in Ballinrobe were changed after a week-long protest. The premises will now house families only.

Speaking at last week's meeting of Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District Council, Cllr O’Brien said councillors have "come under a lot of pressure and there is a lot of fake news out there in relation to incidents and immigration”.

Cllr O’Brien said every councillor has suffered to one extent or the other and certain organisations on social media are telling people to keep the pressure on public representatives.

“There were quite a few speeches recently where some people were saying vote for anyone but the sitting councillors and I think that is very unfair,” he added.

Cllr O'Brien also claimed there has been a “witch hunt” against several public representatives and believes it may have been a factor in some deciding not to run in the upcoming local elections. The long-serving councillor said he deplores people who have no respect for democracy.