Clinton‘s a symbol of toxic masculinity

CAN someone — possibly the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alliance councillor Nuala McAllister — explain how, on the one hand, she can sign up to and promote a letter which calls for an education programme that deals with “toxic masculinity”, while, on the other, as Lord Mayor, will confer the Freedom of Belfast on Bill Clinton?

Without rehearsing Bill Clinton’s activities, or his use of power over women, in the current circumstances (and possibly at any time) why is Belfast honouring this man?

Bill Clinton may be many things, but his treatment of women and his use of his position of power in relation to women is well-known. He is no role model.

Do his phonecalls during Easter Week 1998 absolve him of his proclivities? Does his support for the Good Friday Agreement mean his behaviour is acceptable?

The granting of the freedom of a city can’t be partial; it is to the whole person — an endorsement of who the individual is.

Yes, his help in 1998 was much appreciated. But, at this time, when role models are in the spotlight, it seems astonishing that, on one hand, we are condemning young men for their comments on social media, while, on the other hand, we are lauding a powerful man who epitomises toxic masculinity in the 21st century.

Lord Mayor, not in my name.

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