Social Democrats councillor said it was ‘unfair’ of Mayor John Moran to single out two councillors


SOCIAL Democrats councillor Elisa O’Donovan has said it was “unfair” for Mayor John Moran to single out two councillors in a post on his website.

Ahead of a vote on whether building can go ahead in Boro Park, the first citizen published an article outlining why experts had identified the land for development.

In the piece, he mentioned councillors Catherine Slattery and Sarah Kiely by name, saying they were part of a previous council administration which prioritised other parts of the city.

Cllr O’Donovan, who joined the vote in essence to prevent the houses in Boro Park, told Mayor Moran: “We are in a time of incredible toxicity on social media and it’s getting worse. I would suggest moving forward, out of respect, that we do not pinpoint certain councillors.”

She warned not doing this could lead to “pile-ons” of people online.

Mayor Moran in response, asked people to “look at the number of times I was referenced in social media posts about this particular site and in what tone that referencing took place.”

“I did not use a disrespectful tone. I simply pointed out the factual situation that is the case. That both of those councillors have been fighting hard for what you’re asking them to do, and I commend them for that,” he said. “ I would like to think I am doing the same.”