Verona Murphy Calls for Action Against Rising Threats to Politicians

Verona Murphy, the Independent TD for Wexford and current Ceann Comhairle, has highlighted a troubling trend: a marked increase in anonymous online threats directed at members of the Oireachtas. Since her election, she has observed what she describes as a “vast increase” in such threats, which she believes can no longer be overlooked.

Murphy has taken on the role of what she calls a “shop steward” for Oireachtas members, advocating for action to address the proliferation of fake profiles on social media that disseminate false narratives. “This is an issue that affects the wider public,” she stated, emphasizing the need for collective action on this pressing concern.

Legislative Action Required

In a recent discussion, Murphy noted that Tánaiste Simon Harris has responded positively to her suggestion of convening leaders from various parties in the Oireachtas. The aim is to “depoliticise or neutralise” the escalating issue of threats against politicians. Murphy stressed the importance of advancing legislative measures to safeguard the public and protect political figures.

Recent reports from The Irish Times revealed that a member of the government has permitted the Gardaí to monitor his phone amid ongoing investigations into the harassment he has faced. Disturbingly, one threat was delivered in person, with a man threatening to shoot the politician. Another senior official reported frequent abuse and threats, prompting Gardaí to advise against leaving Leinster House for trips into the city.

Murphy reiterated the urgent need for political leadership and new legislation to combat these threats. She rejected the idea that addressing this issue would spark controversy regarding free speech protections. “The reality is what’s happening is that we have a vast increase in the number of fake profiles who can disseminate information across all online platforms,” she explained during an interview on RTÉ’s The Week in Politics.

Addressing Online Anonymity

Murphy raised concerns about the difficulty in identifying individuals behind fake profiles, which hinders any potential action against them. When challenged on the likelihood of social media companies resisting such legislative moves, she countered, stating, “that can’t be the case,” noting that broadcasters operate under stringent regulations.

She called for a balance between safeguarding free speech and protecting individuals’ rights to a good name. “Under the Constitution, there is an obligation to vindicate the rights of all people,” she asserted. “Whereby that is affected, we must have legislation in place that addresses that as a remedy.”

As the conversation around online safety and political threats continues to evolve, Verona Murphy’s call for action reflects a growing recognition that the safety of public officials is vital for the health of democracy itself.