A Renua candidate has apologised for describing sexuality as “a lifestyle choice” on Twitter.
Shane Dunphy, who only signed up to Twitter yesterday, is aiming to represent Lucinda Creighton's new party in Waterford. He soon became embroiled in a row where he claimed his words were misunderstood.
Renua members are to be given the right to vote freely on certain issues, with the party whip being reserved for what Dunphy last night described as “issues of conscience”.
Attempting to explain where the dividing line was between the free vote and following the party whip, Dunphy labelled some, including abortion, as ‘matters of conscience’, while others were ‘lifestyle choices’. Dunphy was quizzed by Twitter users about whether certain issues were a matter of conscience or a lifestyle choice. In response to a query about the marriage equality referendum, Dunphy declared that “Sexuality would certainly clarify as a lifestyle choice.”
Dunphy later tried to explain his tweet, saying it was a mistake and does not represent he beliefs on the issue.
“I was trying to clarify which issues we can vote on our conscience and not have to follow the whip. That was all I was trying to say,” he wrote in a subsequent tweet.
I was trying to clarify which issues we can vote on our conscience and not have to follow the whip. That was all I was trying to say.
— Shane Dunphy (@dunphyshane1) March 19, 2015
“Apologies for any offence. Will word things much more carefully in future,” he wrote.
In another tweet he said: “To clarify: The Marriage Equality Referendum is a matter of conscience. Not accepting people’s sexuality makes you a homophobe.”
To clarify: The Marriage Equality Referendum is a matter of conscience. Not accepting people's sexuality makes you a homophobe.
— Shane Dunphy (@dunphyshane1) March 19, 2015
Mr Dunphy has since deleted the tweet and apologised several times, saying:
“It was a terribly misworded and offensive tweet that makes no sense. Day 1 on Twitter, lesson learnt.”
Okay - I have deleted tweet. It was a terribly misworded and offensive tweet that makes no sense. Day 1 on twitter, lesson leant.
— Shane Dunphy (@dunphyshane1) March 19, 2015
Apologies for any offence. Will word things much more carefully in future.
— Shane Dunphy (@dunphyshane1) March 19, 2015
Mr Dunphy appeared to bring his engagement with the matter, on twitter at least, by saying:
“I also wish to add that I proudly support marriage equality and always have. Made a stupid mistake and deserved the online kicking I got.”
I also wish to add that I proudly support marriage equality and always have. Made a stupid mistake and deserved the online kicking I got.
— Shane Dunphy (@dunphyshane1) March 19, 2015
The issue continues a rocky start to Renua’s first week in existence, with party members enduring several tough media appearances and a parody Facebook page springing up, mocking the party within hours of its launch.
