FF’s O'Rourke refuses to apologise for racist slur
Seanad leader Mary O’Rourke today refused to apologise over claims that she used a racist remark to praise her supporters.
The veteran politician controversially thanked her Fianna Fáil campaign team for working like blacks to secure her nomination in the next general election.
“The remark was complimentary, made to my workers and praising their hard work,” the Senator said.
“I can’t apologise for what was a comment to my workers.”
After being selected for the third place on the party ticket for the Longford-Westmeath constituency, Mrs O’Rourke said: “They listened to my moaning and my groaning, and my upbeat and my downbeat as it went along, but they were there for me and they worked like blacks.”
She insisted it was meant as a compliment.
Rosanna Flynn, spokeswoman for Residents Against Racism, said the remark was most offensive and that an apology was in order.
“I can understand anyone making a gaffe but my God she should make an apology. She has offended a lot of people,” Ms Flynn said.
“Don’t just wriggle out of having made a most offensive remark.”
She went on: “What is not understandable is her not realising how offensive it is and not giving a full apology.”
Mrs O’Rourke said the phrase working like blacks was well known but perhaps not relevant in modern Ireland.
“It was meant as complimentary and absolutely no offence meant,” she said.
The colourful politician was chosen as a Fianna Fáil candidate in Mullingar last night after defeating a challenge from local councillor Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran.
Mrs O’Rourke has earned many admirers for her work on behalf of immigrants and asylum seekers in the Athlone area.
She campaigned for two Nigerian mothers, Elizabeth Odunsi and Iabo Nwanzi, to stay in Ireland last March. The women were eventually deported and their children left behind.
Mrs O’Rourke also supported Kunle Olakunle, a Nigerian teenager deported from Ireland last year but allowed to return to complete his leaving certificate.
Aisling Reidy, director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, said an apology would go some way to remove any offence caused.
But Ms Reidy said the remark was not a reflection of the Senator’s attitudes.
“I think it is completely inappropriate that she should use that remark, but I don’t think it is a reflection of her thinking,” Ms Reidy said.
“Her actions speak louder than her words. She has been quite strong on this and been willing to speak up for people and has been more compassionate on immigration issues.
“Any apology would be welcomed by anybody that would be offended.”
Peter O’Mahony, chief executive of the Irish Refugee Council, said the Senator should judge for herself whether to apologise.
“The phrase I would say is ill-advised. I think it is an unwise comment,” Mr O’Mahony said.
“Mary O’Rourke has a track record that is certainly above average in terms of national politicians taking a stand on refugee issues.
“What was entirely acceptable in one period of time may not be acceptable today. But what I would emphasise is that she has a good track record so I am sure she will be conscious of any damage caused.”
