Two alarming new pieces of research are set to heighten the growing anxieties regarding the intolerable abuse and threats that our elected representatives have to put up with these days. The Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) has revealed from its survey that over the past two and a half years, a startling two thirds of council members have been subjected to frightening threats, harassment or intimidation. In the incidences reported, there were threats of violence, destruction of property, death threats, arson, and sexually violent threats. Over half of those threatened were left feeling extremely worried or apprehensive, and a considerable number are contemplating stepping down from their positions due to this.
A preliminary report shared amongst Oireachtas members highlights the same abusive experiences faced by TDs and Senators. Authored by ex-Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan’s taskforce, the report indicates that such abuse is widespread, distressing and disproportionately affects women and minorities. Digital anonymity fuels such online abuses, which are often motivated by misogyny, racism, and intolerance.
Furthermore, the taskforce acknowledged the detrimental effects this has on political engagement, including prospective candidates being deterred by fear of mistreatment, current politicians deciding not to stand for re-election, avoidance of contentious topics by politicians, and discontinuation of community activities.
Both reports emphasise the urgent need for improved support mechanisms, advice on security, and increased Garda resources to counteract this issue. AILG will liaise with media regulator Coimisiún na Meán to tackle online abuse. O’Sullivan has proposed a series of security strategies, which include improved funding and more rapid responses from social media platforms, along with fresh Garda reporting structures to capture and organise responses to abuse incidents.
The notion that any person should be the target of such hateful acts is truly disgusting. It is essential to remember that politicians, like all citizens, are entitled to the State’s protection against such horrendous attacks. Threats and verbal abuse directed towards our elected officials represent not only a threat to the individuals involved, but also to the very fabric of our Irish democracy. This sort of conduct has historical links to some of the darkest, most anti-democratic factions. The alarming normalisation of this disturbing behaviour on social media and in everyday life signals a serious decay in our public realms and jeopardises our society’s most sacred principles. The immediate and rigorous response of all government sectors is imperative. However, it should be acknowledged that these wrongdoers are not functioning in isolation. Our public discourse has experienced a significant decline, leading to a widely unchallenged view that our elected officials are all dishonourable or corrupt, giving justification for such criminal behaviour. The individuals who perpetuate such trite claims need to contemplate the damaging implications of their actions.