Limerick councillors take to social media, commenting on threats against Limerick Mayor.
THE THREATS were shared on social media amid public debate surrounding the proposed road closures in Limerick City Centre.
These plans included a proposed six-week closure of The Crescent area of O’Connell Avenue, to accommodate Christmas markets.
Social Democrats, Cllr Shane Hickey O’Mara and Cllr Elisa O’Donovan, both condemned the threats and homophobic remarks on their personal Instagram pages.
Cllr Hickey O’Mara said, “Nobody ever deserves this kind of hate and abuse directed at them.”
“Those of us in political office who are LGBTQIA+ also regularly have to deal with this sort of hate being directed at us.”
Cllr Elisa O’Donovan also posted a statement saying, “No one deserves to be abused for doing their job and I will always stand by my council colleagues of all parties and none when they are experiencing threats and abuse.”
Mr Moran confirmed that he had contacted An Garda Síochána after a series of abusive comments were directed towards him online, including threats that he should be shot or assassinated.
The abuse has also raised concerns about the support available to local elected representatives facing threats. Mr Moran said the office of mayor did not have some of the security and practical supports that might be available to politicians at a national level.
Despite the experience, he said he hoped the situation could be put behind him and called for more respectful public debate.