Fine Gael councillor apologises for 'racist' slur against Sinn Féin candidate

FINE GAEL Councillor Kieran Dennison has issued an apology to Sinn Féin's Natalie Treacy over a slur he made against her during May's local election campaign in which he suggested her slogan “Natalie Treacy – one of our own” was racist.

At the time, Natalie Treacy demanded an immediate withdrawal and apology from the Fingal Mayor, describing his remarks as “absolutely disgusting”. She also announced she was seeking legal advice over the slur.

“His insinuation that this term can only be applied to Irish-born candidates is farcical," she said. “It is clear that the slogan is referring to the fact that I am a local resident of the area which I am seeking to represent on Fingal County Council.”

In a short statement issued on Wednesday after a court found in favour of Natalie Treacy, the former Fine Gael Mayor said:

“I acknowledge that Councillor Natalie Treacy's election slogan during the course of the last local election was not racist. I also acknowledge that Councillor Natalie Treacy is not a racist. I apologise to Councillor Natalie Treacy.”

Natalie Treacy said she was happy to be vindicated in court and that Councillor Dennison had been forced to apologise for his unfounded and damaging comments:

"It is disappointing that I felt compelled to take this issue to court in order to obtain an apology, but if I hadn’t what sort of message would I be sending to those who voted for me and put their trust in me to be their voice in the local council. The remarks made by Councillor Dennison also impacted on my family and I’m glad he has finally apologised.”

Natalie Treacy was elected to Fingal County Council as Sinn Féin's first councillor for the Castleknock ward in May. She joined a strong Sinn Féin council team alongside Paul Donnelly, Malachy Quinn, Daire Ní Laoi, Philip Lynam and Edmond Lukusa. Congolese-born Edmond was one of only two immigrant candidates elected to councils across the state.