Drogheda Senator Alison Comyn has spoken out after receiving what she described as ongoing abuse on social media, saying she will not be silenced by online attacks.
The senator shared screenshots on her Facebook page this week showing abusive comments posted under a social media post relating to her work supporting women and children leaving refuge services.
The comments were widely condemned by local people online after the post was shared.
Senator Comyn said the abuse is something she experiences regularly in public life.
“This was posted under my work to house women and children after they leave refuge services,” she said.
“I’ve said in the past that I can rarely read my own social media as it’s too upsetting and while I’m fighting to highlight the abuse women receive on a daily basis both behind closed doors and in public life someone (or thing) thinks it’s acceptable to speak to a woman Oireachtas member like this and the social media platforms think it’s ok to leave it there.”
The Drogheda politician, who has served as a full time public representative for the past 18 months, said the level of abuse faced by women in politics can discourage others from entering public life.
“I won’t be silenced by these vile comments or attitudes but you can see why women are deterred from entering political life and the level of abuse we face every day just fighting for positive change,” she added.
