Sinn Féin Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Mary O'Dowd speaks out after ‘sustained’ personal online abuse
Sinn Féin Councillor Mary O’Dowd has said she has been subjected to “sustained” and “completely unacceptable” personal online abuse since being appointed Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
Cllr O’Dowd took up the position at the start of June, describing her appointment as “an incredible honour”.
In her inaugural address, she set out her ambition to lead an inclusive and successful council that puts every citizen at its heart and champions fairness, opportunity, and progress for all.
"For me, the prestigious role of First Citizen is about representing and delivering for every community across our borough, no matter their background. I want people to feel that their voices matter, that they are listened to, and that this council is delivering in their best interests every day,” she said when she became Lord Mayor.
However, Cllr O’Dowd has spoken out after what she described as “toxic” online attacks over the past number of weeks.
"The personal abuse I have been subjected to online since becoming Mayor is completely unacceptable,” she said.
"Everyone has the right to disagree with my views or challenge the work I do as an elected representative. Debate, scrutiny and accountability are fundamental to democracy.
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"However, there is never any justification for personal abuse or intimidation.
"Unfortunately, this is an experience that many women in public life know all too well. While robust political disagreement is both healthy and necessary, personal attacks are not. This type of behaviour is toxic, unacceptable and has no place in our society.
"It will not deter me from carrying out the role I was elected to do. I will continue to represent my community with commitment and determination, and I will not be intimidated by those who seek to silence or discourage me through online abuse.”
Cllr O’Dowd was elected to represent the Lurgan District Electoral Area in May 2023.
On her appointment as Lord Mayor of the borough, she spoke warmly about her local community, she said: “I am proud to call Lurgan my home and it is a real privilege to give back to the community I am a part of.”