Scottish Catholic Observer

A Stirling councillor has promised to undergo anti-sectarianism training after the SCO revealed his secret history of anti-Catholic online posts.

Alastair Majury was elected for Dunblane and Bridge of Allan in last week’s local elections. However it has been revealed he had a long-time secret identity on social media site Twitter as ‘Mulder1981,’ an account he used to make references to ‘Tarriers’—a historically derogatory term for Catholics—and to ‘joke’ that all Catholics were paedophiles. Mr Majury, a first time candidate and IT professional, has since deleted the account and apologised for his behaviour.

The anti-sectarianism charity Nil By Mouth offer training on how to deal with sectarianism in the work place and a spokesman for the Scottish Conservatives told the SCO that Mr Majury was ‘absolutely’ willing to take the charity’s course.

“The comments highlighted are completely unacceptable, and councillor Majury apologises sincerely for any upset they have caused,” he said. “He has been warned in no uncertain terms that this kind of conduct cannot be repeated.”

Church response

A spokesman for the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland said there is ‘no place for anti-Catholic intolerance in public life. “Ironically, in his message for World Communication Day this year, the Holy Father asks us to ‘engage in constructive forms of communication that reject prejudice towards others and foster a culture of encounter,’” he said.

“We hope the Conservative Party will respond robustly, and look forward to meeting with party officials and elected representatives after the general election to discuss matters of mutual interest.”

Anti-sectarianism charity Nil By Mouth has offered to teach Mr Majury the error of his ways. Dave Scott, campaign director at the charity, said elected officials have a duty to offer ‘the same service to all constituents—the same service regardless of their religion.’

“If it can be proven [an elected official] has treated someone differently because of their religion, they should be taken to the complaints and standards commission,” he said.

He added that they would be happy to offer their anti-sectarianism ‘Beyond Religion and Belief’ course to any local authority.

“If Stirling Council want to get in touch to run it for their staff and elected officials we’d be delighted. It’s free of charge so the only reason not to do it is because you don’t want to.”

Mr Majury’s political rivals have called for him to be suspended. An SNP spokesperson said: “People across Stirling will be deeply concerned that someone with this kind of opinion is now in charge of running their local public services and local schools. The Tories must take immediate action to show that this kind of opinion is not tolerated in their party.”

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