Taskforce to present proposals on protecting politicians from abuse by end of the year

Concerns have been raised that safety threats and abuse may have a chilling effect on participation in public life, particularly of women

High-profile TDs like Social Democrat leader and Cork South West TD Holly Cairns has said that she would not have run for public office had she known how much abuse she would receive. Photo: Moya Nolan

A new task force will consider how to better protect politicians from violence and abuse following reports of death threats, sexual harassment and physical assaults, particularly of female public representatives.

Irish Examiner Political Correspondent Ciara Phelan is one of the members on the new Taskforce on Safe Participation in Political Life. The taskforce was established by Oireachtas Ceann Comhairle, Séan Ó Fearghaíl and Cork Senator and Cathaoirleach Jerry Buttimer.