‘We stand with you shoulder to shoulder, Mickey’ say Donegal MD councillors

Councillors in the Municipal District (MD) of Donegal have not held back in voicing their condemnation of the targeting of Cllr Michael McMahon’s family home during the recent anti-IPAS protest in Bundoran.

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Speaking at the May MD meeting, Cathaoirleach of Donegal MD and Cllr McMahon’s Sinn Féin party colleague, Cllr Noel Jordan said: “It is unacceptable for this to happen to anyone, regardless of what party they’re in or what colour or creed they are; nobody’s house should be targeted. 

“Anyone who knows Cllr McMahon knows he is a lifelong republican, and nobody does as much for Bundoran as Cllr McMahon.

“This was orchestrated from the start of the protest that they were going to protest outside Cllr McMahon’s house. They said in statements on social media that they weren’t targeting Cllr McMahon’s house, that it was his constituency office. 

“I don’t accept that. It was an attack on his wife, his children, his grandchildren.

“They say they are speaking for the people of Donegal, the people of Ireland. I can assure you they don't speak on my behalf. Once you protest at anybody's home you are overstepping the mark.”

Cllr Jordan acknowledged that everyone had a right to protest, but that it was important to remain focused on the issues.

“A lot of people in them protests seem to think that we have some remit on who is being housed,” he added. “We don’t have any remit on who comes to any towns. All I’ve seen so far is Part 5 applications. We are not privy to any of that information. 

“To just target this house is unacceptable. It is disgusting, despicable. It should not have happened and it should not happen again. 

“We stand in solidarity with Cllr McMahon and his family.”

Cllr Jimmy Brogan (Ind) added his condemnation of the protestors, and his support for Cllr McMahon.

“As for the people who say they represent the people of Ireland, they had the opportunity in the local election the same as the rest of us, and one got 140 votes so he doesn’t have much support. 

“A lot of people in the protest came from outside the area.

“It was the same as in Letterkenny, the guards say that busloads came from different counties. It looks like a big parade when  you get people waving flags. You have a few people on the radio phoning in anonymously with support but I haven’t seen much support. 

“The person we should support is Cllr McMahon. We need to stand together and speak with one voice. We can’t allow it to take hold. They are pulling respectable people in with them, people with legitimate concerns.

"Let's face it, they are fascists, they are racists, we need to stand together.”

Cllr Brogan added that any such protest should have a counter protest. 

Cllr Micheál Naughton (FF) was equally vocal. 

“This has no place in society,” he said. “Everyone has the right to protest but you do it with manners and you do it with respect. To go to someone’s house when you know he is not there is an attack on his wife and family. 

“You need to respect people at all times.”

He too stressed that councillors don’t make the decisions regarding IPAS properties.

“These properties are owned by private individuals,” said Cllr McMahon. “If these people make the decision to house them we have no power over them. 

“It is very regretful for Mickey and his family, and  also regretful for the people of Bunodran. 

“There is a huge amount of decent people in Bundoran. It is associated as a seaside town, a place you go to enjoy yourself.

“These people are bringing it down. They don’t represent me or the people that I represent.

“I know there are concerns and we represent the people who have concerns but we do it in  a respectful manner. 

“What happened on Saturday is unacceptable. It annoyed a lot of people in Bundoran. 

“What happened to Mickey and his family is totally unacceptable.

“We stand shoulder to shoulder with you on this, Mickey.”

The MD’s newly co-opted Cllr Michael Boyle (FG), whose father John previously served as a councillor said: “I saw the videos and I was disgusted. That could have been my father or any one of us. 

“Anyone I spoke to was disgusted. I couldn’t believe what happened.

“In the short while I was here, anybody I have met in Bundorna has been telling me what Mickey does for Bundoran.”

Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr Niamh Kennedy (Ind) said: “Mickey, my heart went out to you and your family. 

“These people are absolute bullies. They stooped to an all-time low. 

“To see them flying the tricolour is very upsetting. That is not how our flag should be used.”

Cllr McMahon thanked fellow councillors for their support, and for that which had been flooding in since the incident on Saturday evening. He vowed that he would not be deterred by the actions of the protestors. 

“These people coming to Bundoran to parade have no interest in Bundoran, don’t know anything about Bundoran, and never lived there,” he said. “They couldn’t care less about Bundoran.

“They come from different organisations in Northern Ireland, England and Wales. 

“They knew I wasn’t there; they terrorised my wife and kids.

“I was born in Northern Ireland. We are a resilient family. 

“These people talk about protecting women and children and they turn up at my house knowing I wasn’t there.”

Cllr McMahon said he recognised the concerns of the people of Bundoran who had already welcomed many refugees and were now feeling that enough was enough.

“Donegal has been very good to refugees, and has the highest number in Ireland,” he said. “The Ukrainians have been welcomed and have bedded in well.”

He said that while there were some challenges, the protestors were sending out a false message that Bundoran was deteriorating as a result of the refugee population.

“It is time for cool heads at the situation that exists in Bunodran,” he said 

“Bundoran is a seaside town, it has catered for people from all over the world. It is a thriving town. The propaganda that Bundoran is deteriorating is not correct. There is a major upgrade job underway at Waterworld, there is a new football field being developed, there is a great new playground and I would like to thank Donegal County Council for all of that.”

The councillor added that he was proud of Bundoran and of his work in the town, and of all the people who had reached out to him to show their support.

“I thank the councillors here today for what they have done and for their support, and councillors in Donegal County Council, Leitrim County Council, Sligo County Council, Fermanagh and Tyrone councils, and Derry councillors,” he said. 

“I will continue to do what I always do, to do the best for my community.”