Be Kind or Be Quiet: Minister’s Message to Social Media

The Island’s Infrastructure Minister has issued a firm warning to social media users: keep it civil, or keep it to yourself.

Dr Michelle Haywood MHK has said she will hide or delete any abusive comments posted on her own social media pages, after what she described as a fresh wave of negativity online.

In a post addressing followers directly, the Minister said she was more than happy to engage in debate, as long as it was done in a ‘calm and respectful way’. However, she made it clear that abuse, personal attacks and even the humble clown emoji would not be tolerated.

This isn’t the first time the southern MHK has had abuse directed towards her.

In the height of the 20mph saga (that remains ongoing), she reported an online post which suggested she could be removed from office with a ‘shotgun’ to police.

Dr Haywood suggested that instead of firing off insults, people should ‘try constructing a well argued opinion instead’, adding that she is happy to debate topics, explain decisions or even go away and find information if needed.

But there are limits.

She warned that comments alleging ulterior motives, casting aspersions on her character, disparaging remarks or emoji-led mockery would result in comments being hidden, or switched off entirely.

In a follow-up update, the Minister revealed that comments on the post had already been restricted, saying that expressing ‘zero tolerance for abuse’ appeared to have prompted some people to do exactly that.

‘They just can’t seem to help themselves,’ she wrote, describing the situation as ‘sad’.

Dr Haywood also stressed that criticism itself was not the issue.

‘I’m fine with critical comment,’ she said. ‘But abuse for the sake of abuse is not ok.’

She finished with a blunt suggestion for those determined to vent their anger: if you want to be abusive, do it on your own page.

The warning comes amid ongoing public debate around 20mph speed limits, general infrastructure and transport, the airport and wider government decision-making.

So, bring facts, bring arguments, but maybe leave the clown emojis at home, or get blocked.