All-Party Political Leadership Essential in Creating a Safe Politics

Women for Election welcomes the publication and recommendations of the Task Force on Safe Participation in Political Life and calls on the Taoiseach and the leaders of all political parties to come together, cross-party, to lead on the resourcing and implementing of the report’s recommendations.

“Women for Election called last year for the establishment of a task force to make politics safer, accessible and inclusive for women in all their diversity, and safe for all politicians – national and local – and candidates in Ireland. Our call followed a series of reports of harassment, intimidation and abuse of women politicians. The situation has escalated since and remains a critical challenge to the health, integrity and sustainability of our democracy” said Women for Election CEO, Brian Sheehan.

We welcome the Ceann Comhairle’s calls for zero tolerance for abuse and political violence towards politicians, candidates and canvassing teams and for supports to encourage reporting.

“Democracy thrives on political debate and discourse, and the exchange of diverse political views. But there is a point where disagreement crosses a line to behaviours that are not acceptable and should not be tolerated, either online or in person. The report contains some clear, tangible recommendations. They will need robust implementation, resourcing and the strengthening, as required, of the new powers of the Electoral Commission and Coimisún na Mean, and of the role of An Garda Síochána in safeguarding those in political life.

“We also welcome the report’s acknowledgement that abuse is increasingly normalised, particularly online, and  is often driven by misogyny, sexism, racism and intolerance. Addressing these challenges is broader than politics. In fact it requires a high level of strategic leadership and collaboration across government, politics generally and the wider community.  Nonetheless, the responsibility of those involved in politics, at all levels, to ensure civility in political conduct is a key building block to a safer politics and to pushing back the tide of abuse.

“The Task Force Report represents a significant step forward in recognising and addressing the pervasive issue of abuse in politics in Ireland. The breadth of consultation and contributions received by the Task Force adds weight and value to its findings and we commend them for their comprehensive approach.

“However, implementation is key. There are important recommendations in the report but it will need political commitment at the highest level to ensure that they are comprehensively implemented.

“Despite the progress made, including in the record number of women running in the local elections, incidents of harassment, intimidation and discrimination against women and marginalised groups in politics persists. We cannot accept an atmosphere that deters candidates from running, campaigners from joining candidates’ teams, politicians from holding constituency clinics, or that makes everyday tasks like opening an email or checking social media a source of stress or upset. We need immediate and sustained action to effect meaningful change.

We call on the Taoiseach and on the leaders of all political parties to come together, cross- party, to lead on the resourcing and implementing of the report’s recommendations. Without this concentrated and united focus and strategic leadership, the undermining of the foundations of our democracy will accelerate” concluded Sheehan.

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For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Katie Deegan, Women for Election: 0851391247 or Katie@womenforelection.ie
www.womenforelection.ie

Editors Notes:

A guide ‘Safety Guidelines for Candidates in Elections’ is available here.
(or https://shorturl.at/ltLS9 )