No apology for bipolar 'insult' (From Oxford Mail)

No apology for bipolar 'insult'

7:00am Tuesday 21st February 2012 in Witney By Tom Jennings

A councillor has refused to apologise to a bi-polar sufferer for “accidentally” attacking his condition.

Richard MacKenzie, of Witney, said that he had been “very hurt” by the comment and questioned why he had not received a personal apology.

The 32-year-old has suffered from the condition, which can cause bouts of severe depression and manic episodes, all his life. But it was diagnosed only a year ago.

He got into an argument over the closed Corn Exchange building with Witney Town Council member Peter Dorward on Facebook.

Mr MacKenzie refused to meet in person to discuss the issue, writing: “As you have never even replied to a single email or letter which I have sent you, I really don’t see the point in enduring you in person.”

Mr Dorward then replied: “‘Enduring’ me? Having a bad hair day are youbi-polar (sic), huh?”

Mr Dorward said he had been using two computers at once, had searched for the condition using the wrong keyboard and accidentally entered the typo. He said when he realised, he deleted the comment.

He said: “If anyone was reading the blog at the time I made my mistake, then I apologise for any offence caused.

“I am not apologising to MacKenzie because he has been downright hostile, sour and rude.

“He was doing this to make a politically- motivated point. It has been blown way out of proportion.”

Mr MacKenzie, of Manor Road, said: “If that is what has happened, that is what has happened.

“But I do not know why he would not want to apologise to me, considering it was directed at me. He apologises to everyone else but not me.”

Mr MacKenzie said he had originally been left “very hurt” by the comment.

He added: “Most of the time I am extremely well but I have not long had a bout where I was severely low. I get into periods of depression and during some of those I have been so depressed I have wanted to end my life.”

The Facebook argument started after Mr Dorward posted a message about the closure of the Corn Exchange, in Market Square.

The town council closed the hall in November after major problems with its masonry, heating and ventilation system, seating, boilers and fire escapes.

Patrick Taylor, director of mental health charity Oxfordshire Mind, said: “I would completely support what Richard has done.