Holly Cairns forced to close Bandon constituency office over security concerns

TD has previously spoken about how she was left 'absolutely terrified' after an online stalker began to appear at her West Cork home

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said the decision to shut the office was taken following a security review and consultations with her team. Picture: Moya Nolan

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns has been forced to close her Bandon constituency office permanently due to security concerns, the Irish Examiner can reveal.

The Cork South West TD, who previously had an online stalker turn up at her home, said the decision to shut the office was taken following a security review and consultations with her team.

“Following a security review last summer, in consultation with my team, a decision was made to close the office,” Ms Cairns said in a statement.

“This was after gardaí had advised me against holding constituency clinics, which I have publicly spoken about in the past. 

"I do not wish to expand any further on this issue.” 

All signage was removed from the office in recent days, which is just off Weir St and opened shortly after Ms Cairns won a seat in the 2020 general election.

The Social Democrats leader has previously spoken publicly about the level of abuse directed at her and how she was left “absolutely terrified” after an online stalker began to appear at her West Cork home.

Ms Cairns admitted then that she may not have run for election had she known how much abuse she would face in the course of her work as a TD.

“If I knew what I was getting myself into, no, I would not have done it. Am glad I didn’t know? 100% because I don’t regret it. 

"But honestly, had I known... realistically, no, I wouldn’t have done it,” Ms Cairns said.

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Ms Cairn’s decision to close her constituency office comes amid heightened security concerns for many politicians with some being targeted online and at their homes, and being urged to beef up their security by gardaí. 

TDs and senators who have been targeted are now able to claim back up to €5,000 towards the cost of security systems, including CCTV and alarms.

Last year, a task force to examine how to better protect politicians from violence and abuse was set up by Ceann Comhairle Séan Ó Fearghaíl and Seanad Cathaoirleach Jerry Buttimer.

The taskforce is currently examining the nature, prevalence, and impact of abuse, including online abuse, and harassment of those who participate in political life.

It is also considering measures to address issues of abuse and harassment within political life, particularly through education policy and the response of social media platforms to abuse.

Security at Leinster House has also undergone changes in recent months, following aggressive far-right protests outside the national parliament last September.

Protests outside the Oireachtas are now met by a “ring-of-steel”, with barriers placed on the roads around Kildare St and Merrion Square Rd.