Tensions escalated when McDonnell responded to the topic of hate speech, posing a rhetorical question to the moderator: “Would you be insulted because if I said your hair is long?”
A Foróige event held in Milltown took a dramatic turn last night when Independent Councillor and General Election Candidate Tom McDonnell walked out following a contentious discussion on mental health and hate speech.
The event was organised so that locals could hear from and ask questions of the Kildare South candidates.
Speaking to Kfm, McDonnell revealed that moderators issued him three "strikes" during the event, culminating in his decision to leave.
He explained that he received two strikes simultaneously and a third after stating, "drugs cause schizophrenia."
He said Ireland's mental health problem wouldn't be so bad if "drugs were stopped at ports".
Kfm understands that this comment sparked a challenge from a Foróige moderator, who reportedly told McDonnell that his statement was not factual, asserting instead that schizophrenia is hereditary.
The tensions escalated when McDonnell responded to the topic of hate speech, posing a rhetorical question to the moderator: “Would you be insulted if I said your hair is long?”
The exchanges culminated in McDonnell standing up and declaring, “I’m sick of this hate speech crap, I’m leaving,” before exiting the event.
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