A DISABILITY rights campaigner has said he will “keep fighting for what is right and just” after receiving what has been described as “sickening abuse” on social media in the wake of a post relating to the recent riots in Dublin.
Dermot Devlin, founder of the My Way Access blog, said he has been left “physically and emotionally” drained upon receiving hateful attacks over the past week on the X platform, which is owned by billionaire Elon Musk.
The Omagh-based campaigner, who in 2020 received a bravery award from Amnesty International for his work advocating for the human rights of people with disabilities, spoke out last week following rioting which erupted in Dublin in the wake of a stabbing attack against three children and their carer in the city's Parnell Square last Thursday.
The riots have been blamed on far-right elements stoking tensions by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, and saw mobs attacking garda officers, looting shops and setting fire to vehicles including a Luas tram and a bus.
In a post to X last Friday, Mr Devlin condemned the disorder, and wrote: “The fact that they are using the horrific attack yesterday as an excuse to spread their hatred is disgusting.”
He added: “This is what the real Ireland is, a welcoming place for everyone. To work, socialise, and educate together.”
Read more:
- Disabled rights activist Dermot Devlin shows the power of a positive approachDisabled rights activist Dermot Devlin shows the power of a positive approach
- Garda Commissioner says no failure in response to ‘unprecedented' Dublin riotsGarda Commissioner says no failure in response to ‘unprecedented' Dublin riots
- Dublin riots: Conor McGregor continues to post on immigration as gardaí examine social media postsDublin riots: Conor McGregor continues to post on immigration as gardaí examine social media posts
Following the post, anonymous users began targeting the 43-year-old campaigner with hate-filled replies, with some mocking his disability.
Mr Devlin, who uses a wheelchair, was born with the rare degenerative disease Mucopolysaccharides Morquio.
Some of the posts mocked his height.
Among those to speak out against the attacks was GAA pundit Joe Brolly, who said of Mr Devlin on his Free State podcast that trolls subjected him to "the most sickening abuse”.
Mr Brolly described the campaigner as a “champion of human rights” and a “person of great integrity”.
Speaking to The Irish News, Mr Devlin said the trolling he faced “has been very tiring for me, both physically and emotionally”, but said he was grateful for other social media users who condemned the abuse he has faced.
“I feel it's important to continue to speak out against the dangerous ideology that is creeping in to Ireland, and to show support for marginalised communities both in Ireland and further afield,” he said.
“Thankfully, the outflow of support on social media has been deeply appreciated and gives me the courage to keep fighting for what is right and just in our society.”
The Irish News contacted X for comment.
