A Fine Gael TD has expressed shock and disgust after a photo he posted on social media alongside a young family was bombarded with racial abuse.

 

Welcoming the announcement of new homes for 42 families in his constituency earlier this week, Deputy Noel Rock posted a picture with one family outside their new home to mark the occasion.

 

The photo has since been subject to a slew of racial abuse and inappropriate comments on the TD’s Facebook page.

 

Deputy Rock said: “Some of the comments and abuse aimed at this family are completely out of order.

“There is a clear line between fair comment and outright racism. Many of these comments cross that line.

 

“This development has 42 homes for 42 families. Families come in all shapes and sizes and – indeed – colours.

 

“I am glad to see 42 families housed and am certain everybody was treated equally and fairly in the application process.

 

“While people can have legitimate concerns and grievances about challenges facing society such as housing, singling out any person or family for being less deserving of something because of their skin colour is the wrong thing to do.”

ENDS