WEE Ginger Dug author and National columnist Paul Kavanagh has announced he will stepping back from his blog and social media over the course of the Holyrood election in order to focus on his health and wellbeing.
The pro-independence blogger suffered a severe stroke in October, which has affected his mobility and movement in his hand, and prompted other health problems.
While Kavanagh was able to move out of his top-floor flat and into a new accessible home thanks to generous donations from supporters, and has been receiving regular physiotherapy, he is concerned the recovery is “going into reverse”.
READ MORE: Wee Ginger Dug author Paul Kavanagh stunned as anonymous donor gives £20k
Writing on his blog, Kavanagh said he has found the election campaign so far nasty, unpleasant and vitriolic – with abuse and insults thrown at him from both those for and against independence.
Kavanagh gave an example of some of the abuse sent his way, including a comment reading: “I wish you had died instead of your dog.”
Insults have also been homophobic and based around the disabilities he was left with after the stroke, he wrote.
“I’ve always prided myself on my resilience and my ability to stand up to bullies,” Kavanagh wrote on the Wee Ginger Dug blog yesterday. “Unfortunately I’ve been finding it difficult to accept that since the stroke I no longer have the physical, mental, or emotional resources that I once had and am finding the current atmosphere extremely difficult to deal with.
“I’d be lying if I said that the abuse wasn’t getting to me. My health is being negatively affected by the stress and my recovery seems to be going into reverse. I’m losing some of the movement I had regained in my hand and my speech is starting to slur again. I’m not sleeping or eating properly and have constant issues with my stomach and digestion. Every day is a constant battle with fatigue and exhaustion.”
Kavanagh explained that in order to look after his mental, physical and emotional wellbeing he would be switching off from his usual online activities to focus on his recovery.
“Hopefully this election will deliver the pro-independence majority we all so desperately need, and then we can get back to making the arguments for independence in the independence campaign that lies ahead instead of trying to tear one another down,” he added.
The blogger will continue writing weekly columns for The National, and providing analysis for our daily newsletters, but will not be updating the blog or using social media for the duration of the election.
READ MORE: Paul Kavanagh: Off to a new life in Ayrshire, and it’s all thanks to Yessers
He apologised to supporters of the blog, adding he hopes they understand his reasons.
Kavanagh received many messages of support after posting the update yesterday.
Shona Robison, SNP candidate for Dundee City East, wrote: “So sorry to hear this Paul, you deserve so much better than this. Rather than reflecting on their behaviour, I fear some of the abusers will feel proud of themselves. These haters are damaging our movement. Please take care of yourself & I hope you get some well earned rest.”
National columnist Ruth Wishart commented: “Concentrate on your health- that has to be your priority now. And, when you can bear it, give another rescue dug a home. All best.”
SNP MP Richard Thomson replied: “Look after yourself, Paul and take care. I'll look forward to continuing to see your writing in The National and to seeing you back in other places when you're ready.”
Hannah Bardell, another SNP MP, told Kavanagh: “Very sad to read this Paul, you deserve so much better you’re a huge asset and leading light in the Yes movement. Sending all good wishes x.”
Another user responded: “Paul, this makes me desperately sad. You have been and will always be a stand out leader of the independence cause. We should all be applauding you. I wish you well, stay strong and hope to see you back in the fray soon.”
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