A taskforce to tackle abuse directed at female TDs has recently been announced by the Ceann Comhairle.
Galway city Independent councillor Mike Cubbard says he welcomes the development, but questions why the task force is to be restricted to female representatives.
The councillor argues that far too often “people” in public life are subjected to vile abuse and intimidation which far exceeds the boundaries of a democratic debate.
He understands that this particular initiative has come from 'Women in Politics', however, he feels the issue is far reaching and should take a detailed look at how measures can be introduced to protect everyone in public life, and those thinking about entering it.
Councillor Cubbard has served in public life for nine years now and over that period has been subjected to a range of threats to himself, his home and family members.
He has contacted the Ceann Comhairle to offer his first-hand experience as a male public representative, and urging for an expansion of this taskforce to all public representatives.
Cllr Cubbard has been speaking to Midwest News Editor Teresa O’Malley about the need to expand the new taskforce to be more inclusive …
