Donegal Travellers Project says it was deeply shocked, saddened and outraged by the comments made by local Councillor Sean Mc Eniff when he objected to a new €230,000 house for a family of 13.
They said Cllr Mc Eniff used discriminatory and prejudice comments calling for ‘the Traveller community to “be isolated and put to live together”.
Hughie Friel a representative of Donegal Travellers Project and a member of the Traveller community said: “Travellers are one of the most disadvantaged groups in Irish society and the scientific evidence is there to be seen by any body and in particular the publication of the All Ireland Health Study in 2010.”
Hughie went on: “Cllr Mc Eniff is a public representative, elected by the people and possibly by some Travellers as well who you would think would not be using defamatory and insulting comments to a whole community.
“His comments about this particularly family have the potential to destroy their lives in the locality as they go about their business or accessing services, schools, jobs or shops. We are human beings who no one should go ridicule to this extent as if we have no feelings.”
Hugh says Cllr Mc Eniff is a Director of Donegal Local Development Company and a member of Donegal County Council. They are responsible for the Implementation of the Peace Programme and the Local Community Development Programme with a remit for building positive relationships across communities, promoting equality and addressing social inclusion and disadvantage
Hugh Friels called on Councillor Mc Eniff to consider his comments in the light of his role in the county. Hugh says Cllr Mc Eniff needs to apologise to the Traveller community and particularly to the family concerned if we are to trust that these racist comments are not aired at any gathering or meetings of these bodies and have the potential to further negatively impact on the Traveller community.