A NMD councillor has spoken out after being targeted with online and verbal abuse over his stance on a controversial Council of Sanctuary motion heard this week.
Crotlieve representative, Mark Gibbons, issued a statement clarifying that he abstained during the vote at Monday’s Active and Healthy Communities (AHC) meeting, stressing that claims he backed the proposal were false.
It follows the circulation of a poster by the Facebook page Time To Rise, which labelled him a “traitor” and stated that his abstention was “as bad as a yes vote”.
Councillor Gibbons said the post had triggered a wave of abuse, including on social media, by phone and even in person.
“I abstained because there had been no public consultation on such a divisive issue,” Councillor Gibbons explained.
“The people of Newry deserve to have their say. Although I represent Warrenpoint, Rostrevor, Burren and Hilltown, I felt strongly that residents of Newry should have the opportunity to be consulted before any decision is made.”
The councillor said the fallout from the poster had gone far beyond criticism.
“Since that vote, and particularly since the creation and wide circulation of the misleading Time To Rise ‘Traitor’ poster, I have been subjected to abuse online, by phone, and even in the street. All of this has been based on false information,” he said.
Councillor Gibbons added: “I am not corrupt. I believe I am the very opposite. I am not a traitor to the people I represent. I would help anyone, without judgement. I am not a cowardly fu####. And I certainly do not deserve to be spat at in the street.
“What I am, is someone who has always tried to represent the people of Crotlieve with honesty and integrity. I am also a father, doing my best to raise a young family with dignity, respect, with an understanding of what it means to serve your community.”
While acknowledging that public representatives should face scrutiny, he said lies that “fuel hatred” are unacceptable.
“If I make a mistake, I should absolutely be questioned. That is part of public service. But creating lies that fuel hatred is wrong. We all know the damage that hate has caused in this beautiful place we all call home.”
Despite the abuse directed at him, Councillor Gibbons said he bore no ill will toward the Time To Rise group or its supporters.
“I also want to make clear, I wish Time To Rise and everyone connected with the group no ill feelings,” he concluded.
Related: DUP rejects Council of Sanctuary proposal over ‘serious concerns’ Newry public not been consulted
