Letter: MP Jared has done disability a disservice

This letter sent to the Star was written by CM Langan, Sheffield, S8
Jared O'Mara MP for Sheffield HallamJared O'Mara MP for Sheffield Hallam
Jared O'Mara MP for Sheffield Hallam

Jared O'Mara, a name that's sadly become tarnished. Firstly, the homophobic and sexist comments made online emerged, from when he was young but still old enough to know better. He resigned as a Labour MP, transferring his loyalties to the Independent Party, which his constituents hadn't voted for. He absented himself from them for the most part. Sexual harassment accusations then came to light, which he confirmed. It got so ugly that he finally did the decent thing and resigned. At last, a light at the end of the tunnel for his disempowered constituents.

Oh, but wait, he's now postponed his resignation with the prospect of a £22,500 pay off being in order if he stands for another election! How wonderful for him, but at the expense of his constituents. They're basically in the same position as the dogs at Owlerton Stadium. Muzzled. They've been left stranded, voiceless, powerless with no representation for over two years. Now he expects this to continue. Sorry, Mr O'Mara, but that is just not good enough. In fact, it's an outrage.

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Don't get me wrong, I sympathise greatly with his multitude of physical and emotional issues, but this is the cold hard world of politics at the end of the day. His constituents need representation, he's not provided it and is unlikely to do so any time soon. What's more, he is hindering the process of finding someone who can.

He has also done disability, especially autism, a disservice. Potential employers may think twice about taking on someone with autism, not taking into account the fact that most people on the autistic spectrum are in fact very conscientious and reliable, giving 110% to their chosen line of work. They do not, in the main, leave people up the creek without a paddle.

The idea was for Mr O'Mara to be an MP, meaning Member of Parliament, not an MPP, standing for Making People Powerless.

If Mr O'Mara has said he'll resign, he should abide by that. Never mind the lure of a substantial pay off.

He should get the help he needs and let his constituents do likewise with someone capable of supplying it.

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