Fine Gael councillor Keith Redmond apologises for Page 3 ‘feminazis’ tweet

A Fine Gael councillor has been forced to apologise after tweeting his dismay at the demise of The Sun newspaper’s Page 3 feature with disparaging remarks about people who object to the use of topless models to sell newspapers.

Keith Redmond posted a tweet yesterday lunch time declaring: “Good work feminazis, you just made lots of fellow women unemployed because their work offended you #NoMorePage3.”

The dentist, who sits on Fingal County Council, immediately provoked a storm of criticism, but he initially responded by tweeting: “I can’t stand the sanctimonious.”

Just before 5pm, however, the remarks were taken off his account and he gave an explanation: “Re earlier tweet. Apologies. Deleted.”

The one-time Progressive Democrat declined to return calls yesterday and Fine Gael moved to distance the party from him. “His comments in no way reflect the views of Fine Gael,” a spokesman said.

However, it is understood the Sutton-based practitioner can expect a stern ticking-off from party headquarters about the views and the manner in which he expressed them.

Mr Redmond was prompted to tweet after The Sun in Britain bowed to public pressure to stop its long-time practice of using photographs of topless models on page three.

His remarks were criticised by both male and female tweeters, many mocking his actions. “At least there’s one tit still on show today — you,” one Twitter user wrote.

Others took issue with his use of the term “feminazi” and his comparison of those campaigning for an end to the sexual exploitation of women with people involved in genocide.

Mr Redmond has tweeted in recent months in defence of freedom of speech and last November he objected to the suggestion by a Fianna Fáil deputy that self-styled pick-up artist Julien Blanc be denied a visa to bring his controversial female domination show to Ireland.

“Don’t agree with @BillyKellherTD about banning people from speaking, even if what they have to say is offensive,” he commented.

Last week, he tweeted that his tweets had been blocked by Equality Minister Aodhán Ó Ríordáin. Mr Redmond has regularly tweeted his opposition to the minister’s plan for legislation against hate crime and argued that, if it is passed, it will enable governments to suppress any opinion they do not like.