Clodagh Finn: Words matter, so let’s reclaim the true meaning of the term witch hunt

Politicians who use the word in a throwaway fashion, dishonour the thousands of women killed throughout history

A re-enactment of the Salem witch trials: When politicians complain about witch hunts, they are belittling the violence and horror meted during real witch trials.

Isn’t it time that we reclaimed the term ‘witch hunt’, the well-worn metaphor beloved of politicians in a tight spot, and return it to the tens of thousands of women who were hanged and burned at the stake in the real witch trials of the 15th to 18th centuries?

I always think of that dark history at this time of year when Halloween approaches, and with it, talk of witches.