Abuse of politicians 'driven by misogyny, sexism, racism and intolerance', report finds

Taskforce recommends measures to combat abuse 'targeted disproportionately at women and minority groups'

A dedicated Garda team should work to ensure adequate security is in place at Leinster House, report recommends.

Election candidates should have the option not to have their home address published and a dedicated Garda team should work to ensure adequate security is in place at Leinster House, a high-level report has recommended.

The draft report of the Taskforce on Safe Participation in Political Life has said abuse in political life is “prevalent, problematic and is targeted disproportionately at women and minority groups”.

“Online abuse is intensifying and becoming normalised, fuelled by the anonymity provided by digital platforms, and often driven by misogyny, sexism, racism and intolerance,” it said.

Multiple groups need to take action to combat this abuse, according to the report, including An Garda Síochána, the Houses of the Oireachtas, political parties, social media companies and online watchdog Coimisiún na Meán.

The taskforce, which is chaired by former garda commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan, was established by the Ceann Comhairle and Seanad Cathaoirleach amid concerns safety threats and abuse may have a chilling effect on people entering into politics, particularly women.

Recent high-profile incidents have included a mock gallows erected outside Leinster House with photographs of high-profile politicians.

Disabilities Minister Anne Rabbitte, meanwhile, has said in the past she considered her position as a public representative after having animal excrement thrown at her during a public meeting.

Disabilities Minister Anne Rabbitte has said she considered her position as a public representative after having animal excrement thrown at her during a public meeting. File picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

The taskforce report said given the potentially serious impact of this abuse, a “strategic and coordinated approach is needed”.

This includes a review and strengthening of security arrangements at the Houses of the Oireachtas, and the establishment of an opt-in social media monitoring service for TDs and senators to monitor and report online threats and harassment made against them.

In the case of social media, the draft report said such sites are a “major facilitator of sexist and racist remarks and threats, and that female politicians are particularly exposed to image-based abuse, such as the sharing of fake images with a sexual or derogatory connotation”.

National and local politicians told the taskforce abuse was seen as “part of the job” for a politician and that they are seen as “fair game”.

High and sustained levels of abuse had caused some politicians to cease doing things like canvassing, reducing their online presence and avoiding contentious topics like immigration, the report said.

It has also made them concerned for their own safety and the safety of their families, particularly their children.

“I wouldn’t go on public transport because of my experience,” one said. “He intimidated me, getting close up to me, threatening that he would kill me,” said another.

The taskforce makes a slew of recommendations in the draft report to help combat this abuse, which it said could “undermine democracy”. 

It said gardaí should conduct “comprehensive security reviews” on a periodic basis at Leinster House, while also assigning a dedicated team to liaise with Oireachtas authorities on the proper security arrangements.

The document, circulated to all members of the taskforce, can be reviewed and any amendments proposed before the end of the month. 

The highlights from a UCD survey of members and political staff are expected in the coming weeks and will be included before it is finalised.