Taoiseach Micheál Martin has suggested that Gardaí assigned to protect politicians are primarily concerned about the risk of lone wolf-style attacks, reports Breaking News.
Speaking at the conclusion of the Fianna Fáil ‘think-in’ held in Cork city, Mr Martin urged the public, political figures, and commentators to avoid using provocative language or engaging in personal attacks.
He expressed concern that acts of political violence and racially motivated incidents could end up defining the current era.
“We liaise with Gardaí continuously. Over the years, and particularly in recent times, death threats can be issued (against politicians),” he said, reports Breaking News.
“But some may relate to mental health issues in terms of some individuals who may have had difficulties in their lives… they find that out, it is relayed back to you and that is that. What the Garda have said to us – and they have said it consistently – is that the ultimate fear is what is called a lone wolf attack,” reports Breaking News.
“It could come in any situation and at any time. That is the consistent advice from An Garda Síochána. We as ministers and as Taoiseach, I have good security – I wish to thank the Gardaí who are outside my home on a continual basis and those who are with me throughout the day,” reports Breaking News.
Mr Martin emphasised that “security is quite strong.”
“The concern we would have more widely and the Tánaiste (Simon Harris) has had particular threats to his family – in one case that accessed the private platforms of a family member which is concerning,” reports Breaking News.
“The wider issue of the aggression in public discourse…the absence of space in which to discuss things. To me, it is a concern. The aggression towards people in society because of their ethnicity, race or religion is increasing and is a big worry,” reports Breaking News.
“As I have said earlier, I met with the Inter Faith Dialogue some weeks ago and it was the main item of discussion. I spoke to young people and I was very taken by their submissions on this issue. Because of their ethnicity, skin colour or race they were being targeted. This is increasing. We really do have to address that in a sensible, intelligent and strategic way,” reports Breaking News.
According to Mr Martin, there needs to be a reassessment of how society engages, with a renewed focus on upholding core values.
“Tolerance, welcome, diversity and inclusion as fundamental tenets of Irish society,” reports Breaking News.
“There is a challenge to that at the moment – there is no point saying there is not. We are witnessing it in other countries – to me, it could become the key issue of our time,” reports Breaking News.
He stressed the importance of lowering the intensity of political debates.
He also pointed out that female public representatives have come under particular strain.
“Women politicians have taken an increased level of negative and hostile commentary, and not just in relation to politics.,” reports Breaking News.
“They have been targeted in that regard. That is reprehensible. The Dáil at large has been working on this for quite some time,” reports Breaking News.
This Dáil and the last Dáil, in terms of providing greater support…all public representatives need to look after their mental well being because the pressures are much more severe today than they would have been when I started in politics. I think social media is a significant factor in that.”
Mr Martin noted that one of the most valuable aspects of Irish political life is the close access people have to their elected officials.
“It is a strength for us because it keeps our feet on the ground. It keeps us in touch, whether it is through clinics or just walking the streets and meeting people. It is very, very important. It is a cherished part of our political party system, and we should do everything we can to retain it,” reports Breaking News.
He acknowledged that he, too, has been a target of such actions.
“Absolutely – we have had attacks on our premises from protestors in terms of Palestine. Some of the things scrawled down do not stand up to any objective scrutiny,” reports Breaking News.
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