Irish Examiner view: Assaults and threats are evidence of Ireland's fraying social contract

Several parties have advised their candidates on their personal security and safety as they campaign

Solidarity-People Before Profit election candidate Ruth Coppinger had a swastika cut into an image of her face on a poster.

With the local and European elections approaching rapidly, canvassers are pounding the streets and knocking on doors, putting in the hard work to try to get their candidates elected.

What is unusual about this campaign is the acknowledged threat to those candidates’ safety. The Green Party, Fianna Fáil, and Fine Gael have all confirmed that they have advised their candidates on their personal security and safety as they campaign.