Restrict ‘keyboard warriors’ in abortion debate

Reporting restrictions imposed on broadcast stations during referendums should be adopted for the online world due to the “horrible” nature of “keyboard warrior” attacks during the early stages of the pro-choice and pro-life Eighth Amendment campaigns.

Labour TD Joan Burton and Fianna Fáil health spokesperson Billy Kelleher said Government should consider the move in a bid to limit the potential damage caused by the most extreme elements of both campaigns during the debate on the issue over the coming months.

Speaking on RTÉ’s The Week in Politics programme, Ms Burton said “the leaders of both campaigns need to make it very clear to both sides” that any debate must remain “respectful” of different views.