Online abuse of politicians grows increasingly sustained and vicious 

Labour senator Annie Hoey received online criticism about her appearance  Picture: Collins Courts

Politicians from across the political spectrum say the online abuse they are receiving is becoming more personalised, more vicious and more sustained.

While all politicians stress they are by no means the most targeted group online, the comments range from personal abuse about their appearance or religion to messages about family members. Earlier this week, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar told the Fine Gael parliamentary party that his tweets attract around 10% homophobic replies and another 10% racist.