Councillor slams Casey’s Traveller comments as “scandalous and slanderous”

A Donegal county councillor has slammed Presidential candidate Peter Casey over his remarks about the Travelling Community.

Cllr Micheal Mac Giolla Easbuig said he simply found it difficult to even find words to describe Casey’s comments.

“It is difficult to find words to describe the despicable nature of presidential candidate Peter Casey’s scandalous and slanderous reference to the Traveller community.

“That such an offensive and inaccurate view of our fellow citizens and countrymen and women is held by anyone in Irish society is in itself appalling. That such vile nonsense is propagated by a person contesting the highest office in the state is truly shocking,” he said.

He said questions must surely now be asked about those who endorsed his candidacy.

The West Donegal county councillor added “How did they deem him suitable for president? What checks did they carry out if any into his outlook and what are they now doing to repair the damage they have facilitated by endorsing Peter Casey?

“The Casey soundbite is worryingly similar to that of right-wing populism spreading cross Europe and the United States at present. For all our sakes, we must ensure that he does not profit by his outrageous statements.”