A Tory councillor’s Twitter account has been deleted after an offensive tweet during the Eurovision prompted serious backlash.
Warwick councillor Nick Harrington’s account tweeted the racist jibe at around midnight on Saturday night after Ireland awarded the UK zero points during the final of the Eurovision Song Contest.
The tweet read, “#Eurovision2017 thanks Ireland. You can keep your f’king gypsies! Hard border coming folks!”
Meet @nickjharrington, @Conservatives councillor @Warwick_DC. Here is what he felt was a good thing to tweet during #Eurovision2017 pic.twitter.com/LwdM9gIia2
— Dr Tanja Bueltmann (@cliodiaspora) May 14, 2017
Although it’s not clear whether Nick Harrington posted the offensive comment, the account has since been suspended/deleted – but a screenshot of the tweet is already doing the rounds on social media.
People have expressed their disappointment in the councillor, and some even called for his resignation.
However, Andrew Mobbs, leader of Warwick Council, has since confirmed to TheJournal.ie that Harrington has been suspended.
“I can confirm I have suspended him from the group. There will also be an investigation. I am appalled at the comments and there can be no justification for what happened. There is no defending such behaviour.”
Tory councillor Nick Harrington seething with racist ire at the #Eurovision votes. Really. Feel free to report the unloved prick. I will be. pic.twitter.com/V6E3Vnn2RP
— Mike Bubbins (@MikeBubbins) May 14, 2017
A nasty piece of work, gloating over the Brexit threat to peace in NI. Warwick Tory councilor, Nick Harrington, is also a magistrate. pic.twitter.com/WwCkrm7ijW
— Mike Hind – saboteur (@MikeH_PR) May 14, 2017
Nick Harrington has deleted his Twitter account. Unluckily for him we have a screen grab of the racist tweet.#Harrington pic.twitter.com/9ECbX24ld3
— #AdventureComedian (@MartinMorComedy) May 14, 2017
