DUP man who made offensive 'Mong' remarks fails to get re-elected to ABC Council

A DUP councillor, who had apologised after making offensive 'Mong' remarks, has failed to be re-elected to Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council.
By Carmel Robinson
Published 3rd May 2019, 19:27 BST
Updated 3rd May 2019, 20:53 BST
Robert SmithRobert Smith
Robert Smith

Robert Smith had been standing in the Craigavon District Electoral Area but failed to reach the quota this election having polled 1235 votes.

He left the count at Banbridge Leisure Centre this evening in a distressed state with some eyewitnesses saying he was in tears.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Earlier in the week the mother of a child with Downs Syndrome took offence at his comment on Facebook after his motorbike was stolen and he referred to the thief as a 'Mong'.

Margaret Tinsley with her familyMargaret Tinsley with her family
Margaret Tinsley with her family

Re-elected without reaching the quota was SDLP Cllr Declan McAlinden. Cllr McAlinden polled 1544 votes and joins his party colleague Thomas Larkham on the council.

He said: "This has been a massive result for the SDLP in Craigavon and indeed Upper Bann. From Dolores Kelly won her seat back in 2016, the party representatives have been working solidly on the ground, dealing with issues that affect the local community. People have rewarded us with these two seat.

"I would like to thank the party stalwarts from the past including Mary McAlinden, Sean McKavanagh, Brid Rogers and Dolores Kelly.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I want to thank the people who came out to deliver us this massive vote," he said.

Re-elected was DUP Cllr Margaret Tinsley who also failed to reach the quota but achieved a respectable 1508 votes.

They join Kenneth Twyble (UUP) and Catherine Nelson (Sinn Fein) on the council.

Related topics:DUPArmaghBanbridge