‘Absolutely disgusting’ - Female Waterford councillors being targeted by harassment calls

A number of Waterford councillors are among a large number of female politicians who have been targeted by harassment calls in recent weeks.

It has been reported in the national media this week that upwards of 80 female public representatives have been targeted with calls from one private number.

Local Sinn Féin councillor Kate O’Mahoney has said she has been on the receiving end of some of these calls.

In a post on Facebook, Cllr O’Mahoney wrote: “Like many female councillors across Ireland, I have been targeted by repeated phone calls from a private number.

“I did not answer so I do not know for certain, but I suspect these calls are from the same person who has made disturbing calls to approximately 80 female councillors across the country.

“Thankfully, I never answer calls from private numbers for exactly this reason.”

She continued by saying that no politicians should be the subject of harassment, regardless of their gender or political party.

“Politicians, no matter their gender and from all parties and none, already face a level of abuse, intimidation and harassment that too often goes unseen.

“Whether it’s online abuse, threatening messages, or phone calls, these tactics are designed to make us feel unsafe and to make us think twice about putting ourselves forward to represent our communities.

“As a young woman in politics, I know how important it is that we do not allow this kind of behaviour to become normalised.

“We need more women entering politics, not fewer. No one should be discouraged from serving their community because they fear abuse.”

Cllr O’Mahoney noted that the people who engage in such behaviour are in the minority.

“It is important to note that abuse of this kind is very rare. It comes from a very small minority of people.

“The vast majority of people who comment, reach out or get in touch with me are amazing, and an absolute pleasure to deal with.

“I stand in solidarity with every female councillor and public representative who has been targeted.”

She went on to say that she won’t let such calls distract her from carrying out her role as an elected representative.

“We were elected to represent our communities, and we should be able to do that without fear, without intimidation, and without harassment.

“At the end of the day, we are all human too. This behaviour is completely unacceptable.

“It will not silence me, and it should not silence anyone who chooses a life in politics.”

Cllr O’Mahoney concluded by letting her followers know that she will continue to reject phone calls from private numbers.

The post received a large amount of support, with several comments commending Cllr O’Mahoney for speaking up on the issue.

One local woman said: “Absolutely disgusting behaviour Kate, that no one should have to put up with especially when doing their best by people.”

“Wow, that's disturbing! Hopefully they catch whoever is doing this,” another person commented.

A number of other local female councillors have also said they have been on the receiving end of such calls in recent weeks.

It comes just days after it was revealed that around €20,000 of public money was spent on security at the private homes of two local councillors last year.