Online abuse could drive a politician to suicide, former TD warns

Former TD John Halligan said fear of online abuse was driving people, particularly women, away from politics. File Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins

Former Independent TD for Waterford John Halligan has said he fears a future TD may be driven to suicide if something is not done to protect politicians from online abuse. 

Mr Halligan said that because of their position in the public eye there was a perception that politicians were somehow not subject to the same sensitivities as anyone else.