Three weeks ago, Michael Healy-Rae furiously criticised people who were anonymously spreading malicious comments about him and his relatives on social media during the local elections. He was deeply disturbed when photographs of his dearly departed mother Julie, who passed away eight years prior, were used to insult him in an extremely offensive and disparaging manner. His reclusive wife and sister were also subjected to harsh attack.
“He called the act of bullying, intimidation, and nastiness a plunge into the sewer for Kerry.’ Identify it for what it truly is – a political landscape filled with hate, malice and ugliness,’ he proclaimed then in an infuriated tone, refusing to accept it any longer.
His rage endures to this day.
And the whole of Dáil Éireann fully supports him.
The moment the Independent TD rose to question the leaders, his vow to tackle the issue was obvious. “I won’t sugarcoat my sentiments on this matter, Taoiseach, I aim to be absolutely truthful and today, I am calling something out and I wish to see your, your Government’s and the rest of the representatives’ opinion on this,” he declared.
All the TDs attentively listened.
Healy-Rae wanted to explore the reason behind the growing acceptance in modern Ireland for people to express any unpleasant statements they wish about anyone on social media. His frustration was evident in his stern expression, his furious tone and his mobile phone – the tool of offense – held at a distance.
It seemed baffling to him that an individual could “use this darn foolish device to publicly express any spiteful words they’d like,” and have a multitude of people “absorbing and believing” it.
He was repulsed.
“And they could express scandalous words, they can express painful words, they can target families, they can target individuals.”
His intense gaze, strained face, and his hand, clenched and unclenched in vehemence as he spoke. “And if you’re wondering why I’m irate today, Taoiseach, I’ll explain why.”
Michael successfully captured the Dáil’s full attention. He had the room on his side and was communicating with an audience who was already familiar with his point of view. Taoiseach Simon Harris and the remaining party leads paid close careful attention, understanding Michael’s stance even before he elaborated. His experiences resonated with them as they had also experienced them.
Innumerable times and still adding up.
“Anyone is free to express any opinion about me, it doesn’t bother me in the least,” he pronounced, intensely staring across the floor to the Taoiseach, who responded with gradual and empathetic nods.
However, it disconcerts him when his loved ones fall under attack.
He didn’t want to focus on individual people. “But I will say this, I’m going to say it and expressing it isn’t easy, but say it I will.”
An uncomfortable silence filled the room. It was patently clear that something had occurred that had profoundly distressed him.
“My mother passed away in 2015, she was a greatly respected woman. She was multilingual and knew seven languages. She never uttered a negative word about anyone. She was our rock in every imaginable way.”, shared Michael, lips constricted, irate, but maintaining his composure.
“And she was an extraordinary woman.” He laid stress on each word, his voice starting to sound heavy with emotion as he remembered the upsetting incident. “And the day I saw her image being disrespected and exploited for political motives, that crossed the line for me.”
His brother Danny remained perfectly still next to him, while on his other side, a grave Mattie McGrath interlocked his fingers and observed his hands.
What made the resilient TD snap was the attempt to belittle his mother’s memory. But there are numerous further instances of such unacceptable behaviour that politicians, and many others in our society, are forced to put up with.
“I cannot tolerate blatant deceit,” Michael seethed, alluding to some of the “appalling” comments made about people during Kerry’s local elections. “And this is considered socially acceptable in contemporary Ireland?” he roared, trembling with fury. “Well, I won’t stand for it!”
The plea for politicians to retaliate against disrespectful actions and not to tolerate them was echoed by a party leader and minister. The question queried whether someone’s high-ranking position makes them more susceptible to slander and undeserved criticism. Frustration arose at the acceptance of lies spread about unknown individuals. The official had urged for intervention to restore some semblance of stability to the chaotic situation. Amidst the heated atmosphere, a parliamentary speaker subtly reminded him of his allotted time. The visibly upset politician finished with a fervent final comment that lies, especially blatant ones, should not be uttered about anyone. Other members of the chamber echoed this sentiment.
Following this, Mary Lou McDonald, the leader of Sinn Féin, whispered words of agreement from across the proceedings. The prime minister also commended the speaker, regretting the harassment he and his family had to endure, particularly the obscene remarks about his late mother. The statement was met with unanimous approval. There was a common understanding about the rampant online and offline slander experienced by not only Simon Harris but also his fellow representatives, especially the women.
The prime minister brought attention to a grave problem in the country – the high level of misogyny and sexism, prevalent in the intense cyberbullying attempts. This abuse aims to intimidate, silence, and psychologically destabilise individuals. He described the government’s actions to counter this abuse, emphasising the Media commission’s role in reprimanding lawbreakers and social media platforms that enable them.
Though surprising, it was inevitable that the incessant stream of disparaging comments, lies and threats faced by politicians would inspire an outpouring of real anger and frustration on the chamber’s floor.
The Healy-Raes frequently face allegations of delivering ostentatious, vociferous displays in the Chamber, meant to pander to their constituency with a bold gusto. However, the anger displayed on Tuesday was indeed genuine and chilling, directed towards the “anonymous cowards” who misuse their freedom on the internet. The emotional distress of Michael Healy-Rae was deeply moving and persuasive.
The Taoiseach expressed his sincere concerns about the repercussions this behaviour could have on people, especially not just on the public servants. He commented, “It’s perfectly alright, incidentally, to mention that it affects us too. Breaking news – politicians are also human beings.” This sentiment was beautifully echoed and impassioned by the eloquent address of Michael Healy-Rae.