Fianna Fáil Senator, Fiona O’Loughlin has said that people who are public reps should not be a target for violence just because of the work they do.
It has emerged that an attack took place on a Dublin City Councillor on her way to a canvass where she was met with a significant hit on her temple.
O’Loughlin went on to say, we must not allow this form of behaviour to become acceptable within society.
“I acknowledge we all have different opinions politically and personally. That is what democracy is all about, having a healthy debate amongst us.
“One thing I cannot and will not stand for is just because somebody may be canvassing, lobbying, or vocal about a person or issue that doesn’t align with your opinion, that it means they have a target on their back because of it.
She added: “To resort to violence is unacceptable. We are lucky enough to live in a country that promotes democracy. I find it concerning at any level that this would happen any woman, or anyone for that matter, but all the more so if they were targeted because of being a public rep.
Senator O’Loughlin concluded by praising public reps and the phenomenal work they do for the people and their communities. Over her career she has found all forms of public reps to be passionate and engaging people. She stresses everybody should be able to walk down the street without being attacked because of what work they do.
“I have been in politics a long time and I have met many public reps throughout the years in all forms. I admire them and each of them do important work. We must stamp out any violence, especially against women, in any form.
“I know we live in a fantastic country, and this is not the overarching feeling of the population, but we must stand up to heinous acts like this. As a woman in politics, I will not stand for it,” she concluded.
ENDS