Councillors have warned we could see the death of local politics if abuse and harassment of Clare politician’s families continues.
It comes as elected representatives in this county have sought the removal of their specific home addresses from ballot papers.
While verbal confrontation and online abuse is an expected hazard of the job for elected representatives, concerns were significantly heightened in July after an alleged targeted campaign of sexual harassment and intimidation directed at female councillors nationwide.
Although, one individual has been arrested in connection to this case, the fear for politicians has not gone away, particularly with home addresses appearing on ballot papers.
Ardnacrusha Fianna Fáil Councillor Rachel Hartigan remains the youngest female politician in the country and says she was lucky the intimidation didn’t become a physical threat.
Ennis Fine Gael Councillor Mary Howard was also subject to the recent abuse and believes the town or village an individual lives in should be all that’s required on a ballot paper.
A West Clare representative meanwhile has outlined how his family recently sustained a barrage of abuse while he wasn’t home.
Kilrush Independent Councillor Ian Lynch says it was highly distressing and believes if similar behaviour goes unchecked, it will be the death knell for local politics.
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