'I was subject to an arson attack by drug dealers' - security measures sought for councillors

Local elected representatives need a security allowance after a county councillors house had a brick thrown through a window, according to an independent senator. 

Senator Sharon Keogan has repeated her calls for councillors to be given a security allowance following a targeted attack on en elected representative's home.

She said the measure is necessary following a threatening act of vandalism at independent councillor Hugh Lewis’s family home. The local politician’s 78-year-old father was sitting at home when a rock with an anti-refugee message came through the window.

Speaking after the incident, Senator Keogan said: “As a Duleek Councillor, I was subject to an arson attack by drug dealers for speaking out against the recruitment and grooming of children as young as 12.”

“Councillor Vincent Jackson was also subject to an attack earlier this year. The government cannot delay. Security for our local representatives needs to be prioritised by Minister Darragh O’Brien and Minister Michael McGrath in September,” she said.

“In May and June earlier this year, I called for councillors to be given a security allowance similar to those of TDs. They do many of the same duties, and their salaries are insufficient to cover security costs,” Senator Keogan said. 

“Whether someone is a conservative or on the left of the political spectrum - no one deserves to be subjected to a violent attack,” she said. 

Independent Senator Gerard Craughwell also seconded her call saying: “The government seeks to attract new blood into politics whether they be women or people of colour. The government can’t do this without giving them the means to guarantee their security. Grand words must result in action”.