A drunk Ramona Wylie confronts pub doormen on a night out in Derry
THE disgraced Derry hotel director at the centre of a drunken foul-mouthed sectarian rant at pub doormen sent out emails to clients last week just days after she was suspended.
Shamed tourist ambassador Ramona Wylie, who was caught on camera calling bouncers ‘f***ing Fenian bastards’, was caught answering emails sent to the business account of the White Horse Hotel where she is employed as its finance director.
Documents showed Ms Wylie was using her own private email account to respond to hotel business queries.
In a statement to Sunday Life, a spokesman for the White Horse confirmed Wylie had used a “personal email account on a small number of occasions” and that she “did liaise with clients”.
The spokesman added: “This was done without the knowledge or approval of the White Horse hotel.
“Having spoken to the individual involved, we are satisfied that she was acting out of concern for the clients – with whom she corresponded – and for the well-being of our business.
“Nevertheless it should not have happened and the employee has been advised as to her behaviour pending the outcome of our investigation.
“The employee remains suspended from her duties with the White Horse Hotel.”
Wylie was suspended from her post last weekend after a video of her sectarian rant went viral on the internet.
During the incident, she was asked by a bouncer who she was.
Wylie replied: “NITB (Northern Ireland Tourist Board). Trying to support Derry. W***ker.
“No what you are? You are a f***ing, f***ing, f***king bastard trying to destroy this city.
“Derry city destroyed by you.
“Know what you are? F***ing Fenian bastards.”
The rant was recorded on camera by one of the bouncers, who described her behaviour as “aggressive”.
When shocked bosses at the White Horse Hotel on Derry’s Clooney Road were told of the video, Wylie was suspended pending a full investigation into the “unacceptable” incident outside another business in the city.
The company said: “We at the White Horse are investigating a recent incident which involved a member of our team and staff at another local business.
“Although the incident occurred while our employee was off duty, we take the matter extremely seriously.
“The employee’s behaviour on this occasion shocked and disappointed us. It was unacceptable and cannot be condoned.
“The woman concerned is, herself, deeply remorseful and has apologised for her behaviour personally — and directly — to those affected.
“We are grateful that this apology has been accepted. Nevertheless, the staff member has been suspended, pending a fuller investigation.”
Managing Director Issam Horshi said: “I have known this woman for around 30 years, during which time she has been an extremely valued member of our team.
“She has always treated our guests and patrons with the utmost courtesy and professionalism, so I am shocked and disappointed by what happened last Sunday.”
Janice Gault, chief executive, Northern Ireland Hotels Federation, on which Wylie serves as a director, added: “We are aware of the incident which took place involving a board member.
“Ms Wylie tendered her resignation to the Federation on Sunday 11 October and this has been accepted.
“The board member has apologised for her behaviour personally and directly to those affected and we understand this apology has been accepted.
“All matters pertaining to Ms Wylie’s role within the hotel will be dealt with by her employer.
“The Federation represents professionals and businesses from all sections of our community.
“We are deeply committed to playing our part in building a fair society free from all forms of discrimination.
“We do not condone sectarian behaviour of any kind. It goes against the ethos of the entire organisation.
“The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation will continue to represent the hospitality sector in a professional and equitable manner.”
Wylie has since apologised to her employers, to the NI Hotels Federation and the Tourist Board for her behaviour.
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