'I'm a politician not a punchbag': Cork councillor hits back after online comments

Outside of the most recent comments, Fine Gael councillor Eileen Lynch said she has received the "odd death threat" and abusive emails.

Last week, the Fine Gael councillor Eileen Lynch posted a picture of her with Simon Harris, who is set to become the new Taoiseach following the resignation of Leo Varadkar.

A Cork councillor has hit back at online abuse after receiving "demeaning" comments after posting a picture in support of new Fine Gael leader Simon Harris.

Macroom councillor Eileen Lynch said that up to now she has taken social media abuse "on the chin" as "unfortunately, it is an accepted part of the job".

However, she said that the comments on her recent post has become "the straw that broke the camel's back".

In a post of support for Mr Harris, Ms Lynch said he will be an "excellent leader" and she is "looking forward to seeing his plans to rejuvenate and revitalise the party as we head into a year of elections".

However, Ms Lynch said the “nasty comments” below the post “really infuriated” her.

One comment called for her to retire and referred to her party as "Blueshirts", while another referred to Mr Harris as "unelected imbecile". 

Ms Lynch said: “They may not seem too bad, but for me, it is a little bit like the straw that broke the camel's back, so I felt I had to highlight it.”

Outside of the most recent comments, Ms Lynch said she has received the “odd death threat” and abusive emails. She reported one death threat to the gardaí.

"I have no problem with debate, constructive criticism, or people disagreeing with my work or stance on issues; but I won't tolerate abuse," said Ms Lynch. 

I am many things; a friend, a daughter, a sister; but I am, first and foremost, a politician not a punchbag."

The councillor, who was elected to the Macroom Millstreet Municipal District in 2019, said she will be running again for the local elections this June.

"If you don't feel I have done enough or you disagree with what I stand for; don't vote for me."

Ms Lynch also highlighted how many people have been stepping away from politics as of late, with many stating reasons for how “toxic and abusive” it has become.

She also said that while all politicians receive abusive comments, the language used towards female politicians is “a lot more gendered”. 

She added that while male politicians do receive abusive comments on social media, the language used towards female politicians is “a lot more gendered". 

Ms Lynch said she had been called a whore on social media, saying it would not be used against men.

Speaking to 96FM, she said: “I’m not sure if it is worse than any numbers between men and women politicians, but I would say the abuse that female politicians get can be a lot more gendered.”