‘You don't put yourself on the ballot to be harassed’

Councillors of the Ballyjamesduff Municipal District have spoken out in support of female politicians following concerns raised by the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) that up to 70 female councillors across the country have been subjected to harassment.

AILG said it had been made aware of repeated telephone calls from an individual who allegedly subjected female elected members from across the political spectrum to disturbing and inappropriate sexual comments.

Speaking at the Ballyjamesduff MD meeting, Independent Councillor Shane P O’Reilly said there had been “astronomical change” in the way councillors are approached since he first came into office in 2004, particularly with the growth of social media. He said social media “can be harnessed for the good, but also for the bad”, and expressed his concern at the abuse being directed in particular towards female councillors.

“No female councillor should be harassed in the way that was reported on,” he said, adding that some of the comments being made were so inappropriate that they would “make your hair on your neck stand up”. He also expressed concern about the nature of some of the threats being made, describing them as “heinous”.

While councillors may have very different political opinions, Cllr O’Reilly stressed that they are all elected to serve their communities. “We might not all have the same opinion, but we're all here for the common good. We are not a shooting target,” he said.

Cllr O’Reilly warned that such behaviour could have wider consequences for local democracy, saying fewer people would be willing to put themselves forward for public office.

“It is upsetting to listen to what these women are confronted with.”

He also referred to the importance of mental health supports and said it is not acceptable to suggest that anyone entering politics should simply accept abuse as part of the job.

“You don't put yourself on the ballot to be harassed.”

Cllr O’Reilly commended AILG Head of Operations Elaine Lynch for speaking out and raising the issue.

Fine Gael Councillor Winston Bennett also condemned the abuse faced by female politicians, describing it as “horrendous”. Referring to a situation where a court order had been secured, he said that everybody deserved to be treated with respect, even when people disagreed with their political views. “It’s a disgrace what people dare to write online,” he said.

His colleague Trevor Smith said he was also fearful about what the situation could mean for the future of local politics in terms of attracting quality candidates.

In the same vein, Elaine Lynch had said the behaviour was “an attack on local democracy itself” and said AILG would continue working with An Garda Síochána to ensure councillors receive the advice, support and protection they need.