The abuse of politicians “poses a great threat” to Irish public life, Paschal Donohoe has said. 

Ahead of next month’s local elections, Green Party Councillor for Dublin’s North Inner City Janet Horner was out on the North Circular Road putting up posters. 

While doing so, she was approached by a man who quickly became abusive. 

“He tried to lurch for the posters, tried to lurch for the ladder, roaring about how he did want the Green Party, expletives, around the area,” Cllr Horner recalled. 

“He said Dublin 1 is far-right, he said was going to kill me, he said he was going to kill my friends.” 

Discussing the incident on Newstalk Breakfast, the Minister for Public Expenditure said abuse had become an unwanted but regular part of involvement in Irish politics. 

“It’s not uncommon, it’s very dangerous, it poses a great threat to how we conduct our public life,” he said. 

“And poses a great threat, I believe to things that have been at the heart of how Ireland has developed and prospered for many, many decades.”

Paschal Donohoe in Brussels, Belgium in July 2021. Picture by: ALEXANDROS MICHAILIDIS / Alamy Stock Photo

Minister Donohoe said the “vast majority” of people are “civil and respectful” but said the minority who engage in abuse must be called out. 

“It’s chilling, it’s dangerous, it could have become even more dangerous for Cllr Horner,” he said. 

“It’s become all too familiar; democracy is a fragile flower but it’s also a flower that has very, very deep roots. 

“We need to recognise the role that we can all play in protecting democracy and recognising the role of politicians and condemning behaviour such as this.” 

Worldwide problem

Yesterday, Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot five times while visiting a small town. 

He was rushed to hospital and is now expected to live. 

My thoughts are with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, our dear European colleague, his family and the people of Slovakia. Keeping him in our prayers today.

A shocking and vile attack on democracy

— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) May 15, 2024

Taoiseach Simon Harris said it was a "shocking and vile attack on democracy" but said he will not be changing "in any way" how he goes about his work.

Main image: Paschal Donohoe in the Newstalk studio. Image: Newstalk