Social media has heightened vitriol and hate towards politicians, say Harney and Coughlan

Former tánaistí told MacGill summer school they received abuse from traditional media during their time in politics

Former tánaiste Mary Harney said she was in favour of social media being regulated not just in Ireland, but globally. File picture: Leon Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Social media has exacerbated the level of abuse aimed at politicians, two former tánaistí have said.

Mary Harney and Mary Coughlan were speaking at the MacGill Summer School, which is taking place virtually for the second year. Both said an acceptable level of abuse was set around the financial crash, during which Ms Coughlan was tánaiste.