In a statement made in Galway, Heather Humphreys, the Minister for Community and Rural Development, expressed her concern over how the rising instances of intimidation and harassment are deterring individuals from pursuing politics. During her appearance in Galway, she announced a significant €30 million investment, intended to enhance 12 community centres across the nation.
She expressed her outrage over the recent appalling incident that transpired outside of the home of Roderic O’Gorman, the Minister for Integration. Humphreys referred to it as a clear affront not only to democracy but also the general populace. She harshly condemned the vile nature of the attack and gestured towards the effort spent on such malicious activities as deeply disturbing.
She also acknowledged the conversation between the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee, and Drew Harris, the Garda Commissioner, on this subject. To Humphreys, such acts could discourage peoples’ political participation. While she accepts that criticism comes with the role, she does not condone extending such disrespect to the family home of those in politics, particularly targeting their families who aren’t in the public sphere.
Asserting the necessity of respecting boundaries, Humphreys underscored everyone’s right to protest but stressed that such rights should not extend to violations of politicians’ private residences.
In her view, any assault on government officials is a blow against the citizens they represent as well. Humphreys emphasised that these officials are, in essence, representatives of the people and any attack on them undermines democracy and is disrespectful to the people who selected them for public service.
Despite these incidents, she mentioned that the gardaí are investigating these matters. Humphreys declined from giving further comments so as not to hinder ongoing investigations. Still, she extended her plea to all citizens to understand that such attacks on elected officials are not simply against individuals but against democracy and the general public.