Councillor unbowed after hate mail Christmas card

Councillor unbowed after hate mail Christmas card

5 January 2022

A LOCAL councillor who receives a hate card over Christmas says it will not stop him working for everyone in the community.

Ulster Unionist councillor Alan Lewis, who represents the Slieve Croob electoral area on Newry, Mourne and Down Council, said the card, which contained an offensive message, was a “sad reflection on the mentality of hate and division that still exists”.

However, he insisted that he would not be put off from continuing in politics.

He said: “A few days after Christmas I received what looked like a Christmas card with a not so traditional message contained within. Unfortunately, as we welcome in the New Year it is evident that a mentality of hate and division still exists. Obviously this is disappointing but not surprising.

“My address and that of every other councillor is literally published on the Council’s website under a list of committee appointments. I don’t mind that I am available and accessible, but this reflects the measures some will take to obtain information which can be abused.”

“We are appealing to young people to enter politics, yet is society doing enough to stamp out this type of idiotic behaviour, idle threats, nasty actions or comments.”

Cllr Lewis said that at 31 he was one of the younger members of the council, but also one of the most abused.

“Since being elected In May 2019 I have taken more abuse over the past two years than I have in a lifetime,” he continued.

“Some nights I genuinely look at my three children and think is this nonsense worth it.”

“However, I won’t be put off. This card isn’t a threat, it’s not a warning, it’s simply a collaboration of hate penned by someone clearly in need of a return to education. My six-year-old son could have made a better job of it.”  

He added: “I will continue to work for the people of Slieve Croob, because despite the hostility from some, I have encountered genuine kindness, friendship, honest, decent hard-working people who are prepared to work together to ensure that we can benefit all within our district.

“That is what keeps me in politics, the generosity and purpose of direction shared by all who wish to succeed.”