Hundreds of female councillors warned following spate of ‘distressing’ phone calls
Female councillors across Ireland are being targeted by a campaign of persistent, harassing phone calls containing inappropriate sexual comments. The Association of Irish Local Government has issued a warning and advised members to exercise caution with withheld numbers.
Why it matters
This represents a significant threat to the safety of women in public office and poses a direct challenge to the integrity of local democratic processes.
A wave of “persistent and distressing harassing telephone calls” to female councillors has been reported to An Garda Síochána .
The Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) said it was seriously concerned by the recent reports and has attempted to contact more than 900 female politicians with advice and support.
It was made aware of a number of incidents “involving repeated calls from an individual who has subjected female elected members from across the political spectrum to disturbing and inappropriate sexual comments”.
Association president Aengus O’ Rourke said the situation was “deeply concerning and point[s] to what appears to be a deliberate campaign targeting women in public office”.
The phone calls have been reported to gardaí, who are closely monitoring the situation, the association said, urging anyone who receives such calls to report them.
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