Galway Civic Trust has denied it is endorsing a right-wing election candidate on its website ahead of the local elections tomorrow.
The voluntary organisation, which receives funding from a number of public bodies, was set up for the “preservation, protection and enhancement of the built and natural environment of Galway City.”
In a post accompanied by a photograph dated May 29, to acknowledge a visit from Irish People party candidate Jacinta Gibbons, the author encourages all residents of Galway to visit the party’s website to understand “its vision for Ireland and Galway” where slogans such as “woke indoctrination” and “ethnocide” are prominently displayed.
“Jacinta’s visit was not just a courtesy call; it was a demonstration of her deep commitment to preserving and enhancing the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and thriving tourism industry of our beloved Galway,” the web posting says.
Ms Gibbons gained national headlines just days after her Galway Civic Trust visit when the anti-immigration candidate warned voters in her Galway City East electoral area that “If I do not get enough votes on the 7th, I will never help a single soul in this town again.”
On the Civic Trust website Ms Gibbons is quoted: “My campaign is built on the belief that we need to be more vocal about our concerns and that we need representatives who will truly listen and act... I am here to be that voice for the people of Galway City East.”
A spokesman for Galway Civic Trust, who wrote the 600-word account of Ms Gibbons’s visit to the Trust’s offices which adjoins the ruins of the Red Earl’s Hall on Druid Lane, denied the online posting was an endorsement, instead he said it should be described “...as about a visit. It’s not an endorsement, it’s a visit. We live in a democracy where all are welcome here.” He said the link to the Irish People’s Party’s website from the heritage organisation highlighted “sensible policies.”
The spokesman said most posts on the Trust’s website must go through its Board of Directors, but this post did not. He added that his office has received at least one “abusive phonecall” from a member of a partner organisation since the web posting last month.
The Galway Civic Trust received almost €4,700 from The Heritage Council in its latest round of published funding, and almost €400 from Galway City Council according to its latest accounts for “running costs”.
The organisation gives prominence to the University of Galway, Galway County Council, Galway Chamber of Commerce and Galway City Community Network on its website.
