Tánaiste quizzed on use of 'fake profiles' on social media by politicians

Micheál Martin accused Independent TD Verona Murphy of 'innuendo' and said she should 'call it out' if she was aware of particular people using fake accounts

Independent TD Verona Murphy said there was now a 'staggering' number of fake social media accounts and asked Micheál Martin if he was aware of any members of his party using such profiles. Picture: Gareth Chaney/ Collins 

Questions about political candidates who "hide behind fake profiles" have been raised with the Tánaiste in the Dáil.

Independent TD Verona Murphy said there was now a "staggering" number of fake social media accounts and asked Micheál Martin if he was aware of any members of his party using such profiles.

She also queried the party leader on what sanctions are in place for Fianna Fáil representatives or candidates who are found to use false online profiles and whether he was aware of anyone in his party engaged in such activity.

"I think it's actually staggering the amount of fake profiles that are now evolving both as individuals and as community-based profiles," she said.

She asked Mr Martin if his party had a policy in relation to "potential candidates or already elected Fianna Fáil representatives who are using fake profiles, either individually or community-based, to promote their electability at the expense in many instances that have been reported in what are now criminal acts under Coco's Law and defamation in civil law."

Coco's Law, officially known as the Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences Act 2020, makes it an offence to distribute, publish or send "threatening or grossly offensive communication".

Ms Murphy continued to press the Tánaiste on sanctions that are in place for elected representatives or candidates who are found to use fake profiles.

While she did not name individuals in the Dáil, Ms Murphy asked: "Do you as the leader of Fianna Fáil condone candidates who hide behind fake profiles?"

Responding, Mr Martin said Ms Murphy said she should "call it out" if she was aware of particular people using fake accounts.

He added: "If you have a problem with a particular person say it to me, say it to the Fianna Fáil party."

He told Ms Murphy: "You've laced your contribution with innuendo and it's very difficult situation to reply to. I don't know what you're talking about in terms of specifics. 

I have no idea what you're alleging, or who you're alleging it against. You're just throwing something out there into the ether, which is not a very honest way to do things either.

Mr Martin told the Dáil Fianna Fáil had a social media policy and a disciplinary process if anyone violated that policy.