A QUEEN'S University academic has thanked well-wishers for their support after he was abused online in the wake of ex-MP Kate Hoey’s remarks about nationalist "activists" dominating many of the north's professional vocations.
Colin Harvey, a professor of human rights law, is a board member of Ireland's Future - a civic nationalist group which is campaigning for political parties across Ireland, and particularly the Irish government, to plan for constitutional change.
Prof Harvey told The Irish News last week that a "targeted campaign" is seeking to close down public conversations about the constitutional issue.
He said abuse on social media had increased after former Labour MP Baroness Hoey said the north's professions are "dominated by those of a nationalist persuasion" who were using their roles to "exert influence on those in power”.
Prof Harvey is also at the centre of an ongoing controversy over appointments to a Stormont advisory committee on a bill of rights.
Prof Harvey, who has previously served as one of Northern Ireland's human rights commissioners, was interviewed in June 2020 for one of five positions on the panel of experts to advise MLAs but has heard nothing from the Executive Office since.
It is widely claimed that his appointment is being blocked by the DUP, although the party has denied this.
Several of Prof Harvey’s current and former colleagues have publicly voiced their support.
Queen’s University’s Human Rights Centre (HRC) tweeted: “Professor Colin Harvey is a leading researcher on human rights and constitutional law and a former Director (of the centre).
“Colin's colleagues in the HRC condemn these attacks on his academic standing and express their solidarity with him.”
Academics including Queen’s law professor Kieran McEvoy, Professor Emeritus Brice Dickson and retired Leeds University law lecturer Ann Blair have also hit out against online abuse directed at Prof Harvey.
Prof Harvey said yesterday he appreciated all the support.
“My own thoughts remain with all those affected by the appalling climate being consciously manufactured, by a small minority, to promote division and instability,” he said.
“The best response is to keep doing the required work. Do not be distracted or derailed by those who thrive on perpetuating disharmony. And never forget: this is about protections and guarantees for all, about making a real difference for everyone on this shared island, whatever your view on the constitutional future."
