Sinn Fein is in no position to lecture anyone on free speech given its history of councillor intimidation-Michael Collins
“Far from being champions of free speech, they are remorseless hypocrites on this issue as their backtracking on the hate speech bill demonstrated - a bill they fully supported, which was possibly the most draconian and Orwellian bill ever put before the Dail"
Sinn Fein is in no position to lecture anyone on free speech given its history of councillor intimidation-Michael Collins
Claims made by Sinn Féin's Spokesperson for Arts and Culture Aengus Ó Snodaigh and TD Máire Devine that Independent Ireland appeared "to be jumping on the bandwagon of trying to shut up artists who speak truth to power “are comically inconsistent given the long and disreputable history of that party with respect to claims of intimidation, harassment and silencing made by its own councillors and TDs” said party leader Michael Collins.
“I have already made it perfectly clear that Independent Ireland does not encourage or endorse any action that could be construed as an attempt to silence or restrict freedom of expression or venues that facilitate this, be that for Bob Vylan or anyone else.”
“In fact, Sinn Fein’s ham-fisted attempt to describe us as ‘hypocritical’ given our clear commitment to protecting free speech, even for opinions the party does not agree with, is so lacking in political self-awareness that it beggars’ belief.”
“I and my party will not take any lectures on ‘silencing people’ from the party of gangland associate and former Sinn Fein Councillor Jonathan Dowdall; from the party of former SF Cllr Séamie Morris who resigned in 2017 after alleging a "litany of bullying behaviour" and a smear campaign by party members.”
“I could go on and on with additional examples such as:
“Sorcha O’Neill-who resigned in 2017 citing "bullying, hostility, aggression," and feeling "intimidated"; claimed complaints to party HQ were ignored, leading to her and five activists leaving.”
“Gerry O’Neill in Wicklow. Expelled in 2017 for not attending party pre-council meetings but claimed expulsion was part of a broader "bullying culture" and mismanagement, blaming leadership for failing to address disputes.”
“John Snell-Wicklow. Also expelled alongside Gerry O’Neill in 2017 amid an unresolved internal row. He was part of a group alleging party intolerance of dissent and bullying tactics.”
“Oliver O’Brien-Wicklow. Also expelled with O’Neill and Snell in 2017 over the same council dispute; later re-elected as an independent, but citied party mishandling of conflicts.”
Melissa O’Neill-Kilkenny. Resigned in 2017 after being elected in 2014; claimed she was "bullied, excluded, ostracised, and marginalised" as a single mother and lifelong republican.”
“Lisa Marie Sheehy-Limerick. Resigned in 2017, the youngest female councillor; cited "bullyboy politics," bullying, and intimidation after a party investigation found no wrongdoing.
“Kieran McCarthy-Cork. Expelled in 2015 after expressing interest in running for general election; claimed he was "singled out" and bullied, rejecting a party reprieve and threatening legal action.”
This is to say nothing of former SF TD’s Violet-Anne Wynne and Brian Stanley, both of whom allege a broader pattern of bullying, isolation, and psychological pressure from the party.”
“If Sinn Fein thinks it can take the high moral ground because of an internal breakdown in communication then it can think again especially as its own councillors and TDs cannot ‘speak to power’ or offer a different opinion without opening themselves up to intimidation.”
“Far from being champions of free speech, they are remorseless hypocrites on this issue as their backtracking on the hate speech bill - a bill they fully supported, which was possibly the most draconian and Orwellian bill ever put before the Dail and now, this latest sham concern amply demonstrates their hypocrisy knows no bounds.”
