Misogyny and harassment have become part and parcel of life as a TD and we should no longer tolerate it
POLITICS has always been a dirty game but lately it’s become an increasingly dangerous one.
Gardaí last week warned politicians to be more cautious about their safety, urging them to consider a personal alarm and vary their routine when travelling to work.
Sadly, many politicians, particularly women, are only too aware of the threat against them.
They are are subjected to sinister abuse, often on social media, daily.
It’s this behaviour The Irish Sun is calling for an end to with our Call This Out campaign.
Here HOLLY CAIRNS, Social Democrats TD for Cork South-West, explains why it’s more important than ever that we tackle gender-based violence and abuse.
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LAST week, I decided to break my silence on the abuse and harassment I have experienced since entering politics in 2019 and call it out.
Going public was not a decision I made lightly.
For a long time, I agonised over the pros and cons of speaking about my situation.
I am extremely mindful of the need to encourage more women to enter politics.
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Throughout all five Cork constituencies, I am the only female TD. Nationally, just 22 per cent of our TDs are women. The last thing I wanted to do was discourage more women from entering politics.
As a woman, it can be difficult to talk openly about issues such as harassment without being perceived as weak or not tough enough for the job.
I am also acutely aware that as a TD I am in a very privileged position in comparison to others, such as those struggling to find a home or provide for their families.
But recent events made me realise that it’s time we had an honest conversation about how misogyny and online abuse and harassment have become part and parcel of life as a public representative, and why we should no longer tolerate it.
In having this important discussion, we should also acknowledge that male politicians have been subjected to threats and serious attacks on their property.
For women, however, the nature of the abuse is often sexualised, with sinister undertones of gender-based violence.
The abuse can be insidious. In my own case, I managed to shrug off the offensive tweets, abusive voice notes, and messages on Instagram and WhatsApp.
SEXUALISED THREAT
I also received extremely graphic pornographic material in the post. One man sent me pornographic material featuring anyone who happened to be called “Holly”.
The turning point for me was when a man repeatedly turned up at my home.
This stalking was a serious escalation and forced me to review my security arrangements and everyday movements.
It changed everything. Living in West Cork, I had always felt safe. Now, suddenly, I felt every single message I received could be from someone who could turn up at my house.
Gardaí were extremely helpful, but advised me not to hold constituency clinics because doing so would necessitate advertising my location.
In Ireland, we have a long and proud tradition of easy access to our local and national politicians. This, sadly, is something we may no longer be able to take for granted.
If we don’t recognise a problem, we can’t address it. Coming to this conclusion prompted me to waive my anonymity and discuss what I have experienced in a publicly.
Others, including Green Party TD Neasa Hourigan, have also come forward with their own harrowing stories.
Doing nothing, is not an option. In the UK, two MPs — Jo Cox and David Amess — were murdered in broad daylight and some politicians have resorted to wearing stab vests at their constituency clinics.
While this is at the extreme end of the scale, it could happen here if we continue to ignore the warning signs.
Coming up with solutions will not be easy. There are some practical steps that can be taken to improve the safety of those in public life.
Ultimately, however, we must address the underlying societal causes of gender-based violence.
The corrosive, ugly side of social media has started to seep into everyday life.
Unacceptable online discourse is now becoming the norm.
People have a right to hold politicians to account, but not to abuse them and put them in fear.
The situation cannot continue unchecked any longer.
The silence has ended and now it is time for action.