New mayor suffers online abuse from far right conspiracy theorist

THE new mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Lilian Seenoi Barr has received online abuse from ‘far-right extremists’ including controversial American podcast host, Alex Jones.

The Derry woman, who is a former refugee from Kenya made history on Monday by becoming the first black mayor in the North.

Controversial American Podcast host Alex Jones took to X (formerly Twitter), to criticise the new mayor using and referencing a conspiracy theory.

Alex Jones wrote, “The WEF (World Economic Forum) is now installing invaders as mayors in Ireland just like in London.”

Also commenting on the post was former leader of the BNP Nick Griffin and other far-right conspiracy theorists including David Icke.

In a statement released on social media, the new mayor councillor Lillian Barr expressed her gratitude to her supporters and party and said that online abuse did not affect her.

Cllr Barr said, “Just a quick note to express my sincere gratitude to all of you who reached out over the weekend and today to check on me and congratulate me on the historic milestone we’ve achieved together in the Derry and Strabane District.

“Many of you have voiced concerns about online critics and social media negativity. Let me assure you, I’m fine. I don’t read their comments, and frankly, I don’t care about them.

“What truly matters to me are the encounters with so many of you on the streets of Derry today, showing me love, warmth, and kindness.

“I deeply appreciate the flood of positive messages that have been pouring in all day and continue as I write this, from all corners of these islands!”

Her party leader Column Eastwood MP said, “These people don’t care about places like Derry and Strabane, they don’t care about the people who live here and have made a home for their families here.

“The hate at the heart of their politics could not stand more starkly against the compassion that Lilian has shown for the people of Derry, people across this island and those in need even further afield.”