Sligo Traveller group says Forde tweets reflect society we live in
SLIGO Traveller Support Group has welcomed the decision not to appoint former Aurivo CEO Aaron Forde as chairperson of Shannon Group but said that his Twitter comments “are a wider reflection of the society we live in”. The appointment of Mr Forde had been approved by cabinet early on Tuesday last week but later that same day Mr Forde was informed by Transport Minister Eamon Ryan that his use of social media was “below the standard expected of the chair of a State board”.
It had come to light that Mr Forde had previously written a number derogatory tweets referring to social welfare recipients and Travellers, as well as the Green party and Tanaiste Leo Varadkar.
In a resignation letter Mr Forde said he apologised “unreservedly” and that his comments were “wrong, insensitive and needless”. He went on to say that he wanted to apologise “in particular to people from the Traveller community”.
In a statement, Jamie Murphy from the Sligo Traveller Support Groups described the comments by Aaron Forde as “racist, inciteful, and deeply offensive” and said “we strongly welcome the decision not to proceed with his appointment to such an important position”.
He went on: “We hope it sets a precedent that will be upheld in business, politics and wider society. We also welcome the apology issued by Mr Forde and have to believe that it is sincere and in good faith.
However, he said that this situation “is not just about Aaron Forde”.
“His comments are a wider reflection of the society we live in, a society in which a person of such profile and experience felt comfortable and safe to write such comments in a public forum. “Would someone in his position have written those comments about other minorities? Probably not. “This kind of discrimination and offensive language and behaviour is something that the Traveller community has had to deal with for generations and continues to do so on a daily basis.
“It is visible in politics, when the Traveller community tries to get a venue for a family function, rental accommodation, and social media amongst many other places.
“We hope the decision not to appoint Mr Forde will help change attitudes about what is acceptable and what is not,” he said.