Let’s start with some honesty: does it really matter what Mr. Shades is paid? Just because a service like a foodbank is in high demand, does that mean the person managing it should be expected to work for free—or live on next to nothing?
Let’s be clear. Anyone involved with a foodbank or charity is working—and working hard. It’s not just a few hours here and there. These people are running vital services, supporting struggling families, and providing a lifeline to their communities. Yes, the majority of volunteers give up their free time out of the goodness of their hearts—but from what we understand, Mr. Shades is employed full-time, and this is his job. So why shouldn’t he be paid a fair wage for it?
The controversy kicked off on Thursday, April 24th, when the Impartial Reporter published an article titled, “Foodbank manager given £6k payrise while demand soared”.
Read it here: Original Article
The backlash came quickly. After the story was posted on the Impartial Reporter’s Facebook page, locals began to question not only the content but the motivation behind publishing it. Things escalated when the post was removed—only to be reposted shortly after with comments disabled.
That move seemed to fuel the fire. Across local Facebook groups and pages, the article has been widely shared—and heavily criticised. Here’s a sample of the reaction:
- “Shame on Impartial Reporter!!!”
- “Shockingly poor journalism.”
- “A complete disgrace that they’ve printed this.”
- “They only seem interested in stirring up negativity.”
- “It’s gutter journalism—ignoring how much the man’s workload has doubled.”
Critics argue that the article places disproportionate focus on Mr. Shades’ salary, without fully acknowledging the overwhelming demands of his role, especially during a time of crisis. When foodbank use is at an all-time high, it’s worth asking: should the real story be a manager’s modest pay rise—or the growing need for these services in the first place?
Looking through the comments, there appears to be strong public support for Mr. Shades and the vital service he helps run across County Fermanagh. Most people recognise that he’s doing a difficult and essential job—and deserves to be fairly compensated for it.
As we said at the start: his pay doesn’t negatively affect the foodbank’s operations. If anything, ensuring that key staff are supported helps make the service stronger.
Note: This is an opinion piece and falls under the protections of freedom of speech. If you have concerns about the content of this article, feel free to contact us directly.
