Mayo councillor condemns 'Facelessbook' online trolls in firm rebuke

Long-serving Fine Gael Mayo Councillor Gerry Coyle has issued a sharp rebuke to online trolls, criticising the rising toxicity in local politics in the aftermath of the 2024 local elections.

He did not mince his words about the vitriol and "trolls" hiding behind the anonymity of the internet. "They wouldn’t come out and say stuff in public but instead cower at home," he stated, referring to what he called "facelessbook."

Coyle, reflecting on his years in public service, added: "I grew up in an era with none of this faceless book stuff where we’ll be criticised by people who didn’t put their name on the ballot paper. Nobody has a monopoly and this is democracy."

His comments came on the heels of his recent re-election in the Belmullet electoral area, successfully fending off strong challenges to secure his seat in the council chamber for a fifth term.

Coyle also called for electoral reforms to allow those who are away from home during elections to vote.

"There should be a ballot box for people before they head away. There’s too many people who have booked time abroad and are living here for 355 days of the year, and just because they’re away they can’t get their say," he argued.

Speaking at the council's annual general meeting, Coyle also took a moment to welcome fellow Erris native, Independent Castlebar Councillor Harry Barrett, to the council chamber.

Speaking highly of Barrett, Coyle remarked, "If Harry does as half a good job as his father did with the hammer and pick axe, the people of Castlebar will be very lucky indeed."