I have stood idle on negative comments, bullying tactics, aggressive behaviour and downright damaging actions, by groups and individuals that claim to be For the future of Athenry. I turned a blind eye when I've shouldn't. But Yesterday I witnessed something first hand and just have had enough.
French TV2 invited me to an interview at my house which I accepted. They explained they were meeting an objector to get a balanced view. Once they finished they went to meet the objector for an interview. A neighbour pulled in about 30 minutes later and explained TG4 wanted to meet so I went to the entrance of Derrydonnell Woods.
There, I witnessed members of a group currently identifying themselves as ABBA (aka FLAG ) bully and abuse the objector while a national broadcaster and a national French broadcaster pointed their cameras in wonder. While they shouted and bullied, the cameras looked on (as witness to what I am saying). The reporters looked on quite shocked at the aggression shown. I had a fear that violence was imminent so intervened, taking said objector down the track and away from the potential danger. Albeit the objector felt I may have been a threat due to my stance on Apple, I was quickly able to allay fears.
I am frankly disappointed, that despite our best efforts to show the community can stand together, we still have an element that believe a negative aggressive campaign serves Athenry best.
We had another incident last Wednesday at a large hotel in Athenry. Declan Ganley agreed to an Athenry For Apple press conference and flew in especially from the USA to show his support and allay any rumours that he backs the objectors. Unfortunately Mr. Ganley missed his flight but paid for another which made him late.
Meanwhile members of ABBA came into the hotel. I hoped they were there to support our campaign but when I approached them I quickly realised it was far from support they had on their minds. They abused me and one of our team members shouting and roaring. I was physically attacked by one of them. They made wild baseless accusations attacking my team member and I. All while the national and local media looked on. This is simply disgraceful.
Thankfully Mr. Ganley did not witness this and instead we were able to have him tour some of our biggest employers. He was very impressed giving the day a successful outcome.
However today was the last straw for me. I can no longer stand idle and watch ABBA/FLAG pretend they are for the good of our community when their destructive nature has a clear and present threat to what we all want to achieve. As founder of Athenry For Apple I am disassociating myself and the Athenry For Apple Group from FLAG/ABBA and any other other group that are formed by their members.