Ceann Comhairle seeks legislative response to threats against politicians

There is a need for legislative proposals to defend political debate from an “alarming rise in serious threats” against elected representatives, the Ceann Comhairle has said.

Verona Murphy said she was concerned that an environment of “unsavoury discourse” and “unhealthy narratives” may deter people from entering public life.

Ms Murphy requested a meeting with party and group leaders on how best to address the matter as she further warned of “challenges” posed by unverified accounts on social media.

Making a statement as the Dail returned from the summer recess, the Ceann Comhairle said she had a duty to “safeguard” the chamber, its members and the wider public interest.

Ms Murphy said: “In recent times, we have witnessed an alarming rise in the serious threats and online abuse directed at a significant number of members of the Houses of the Oireachtas of all parties and none, a phenomenon that can no longer be ignored.

“Not alone does it affect us as members, but also a significant percentage of our population.

“This abuse often emanates from unverified profiles on various online platforms which facilitate unsavoury discourse and foster unhealthy narratives that bear little resemblance to fact or reality.”

Several members of the Dail have faced significant abuse and threats against their homes and loved ones.

During the summer recess, Tanaiste Simon Harris said he saw “threats of appalling, unspeakable violence” against members of his family.

Ms Murphy also said the Dail chamber must remain a secure environment for parliamentary business, and added: “If we allow a culture of fear and intimidation to take root, we risk losing the essence of democratic representation.

“It is incumbent upon us all to collectively defend the integrity of political debate and cultivate an environment that encourages participation without fear of reprisal.

“We must create a space where diverse views can be expressed safely and openly.”

Ms Murphy said a report from last year’s taskforce on safe participation in political life “needs to be supplemented by concrete legislative proposals”.

She said: “The experiences of our counterparts in the UK, US and other democratic jurisdictions serve as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of inaction.

“We are not insulated from this global trend. In the words of Barack Obama: ‘Our democracy is threatened whenever we take it for granted.’

“I am therefore requesting a meeting with all party and group leaders with a view to formulating an appropriate consensus response to deal with this issue.”

Ms Murphy said challenges posed by social media platforms “require our immediate and cross-party attention” as she called for collaboration to “protect the integrity” of Irish political discourse.

She further called on all TDs to reflect on the “tone and tenor” of their deliberations.