'I am a politician not a punchbag': Macroom councillor calls out online abuse

FINE Gael councillor for Macroom, Eileen Lynch, has said those who abuse public representatives on social media are contributing to a “corroding” of democracy following comments left in response to a post of hers last week.

On Facebook, she stated she had been elected by the people of her constituency, and done her very best for them over the last five years.

She wrote: “We see many people stepping away from politics lately, and many are stating reasons of how toxic and abusive it has become.

“I’ve had the odd death threat and abusive emails and social media messages galore, but I’ve taken it on the chin,” she wrote, saying she had to previously report a death threat to the gardaí.

Ms Lynch continued: “Unfortunately, it is an accepted part of the job — and the highs outweigh the lows for me. Any time I can help a person or a community, that’s a high for me.”

She posted a picture of herself with Simon Harris, voicing support for his candidacy as leader of Fine Gael, saying: “He is a man I have known for many years, and I believe he will be a brilliant leader. This is my opinion, and I am entitled to one, as is everyone else.”

Posting screenshots of responses, she said: “The nasty comments on it have really infuriated me,” saying they felt like the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Ms Lynch said that she is running for re-election to council on June 7, and it is the choice of the electorate if they vote for her or not, saying people who commented negatively “don’t have to vote for me, that’s the beauty of democracy”, but asked: “Why do they feel the need to demean me?”

She said: “If you don’t feel I have done enough or you disagree with what I stand for; don’t vote for me. I have no problem with debate, constructive criticism, or people disagreeing with my work or stance on issues; but I won’t tolerate abuse.

“I am many things; a friend, a daughter, a sister; but I am first and foremost, a politician not a punchbag,” Ms Lynch told The Echo. “I do think it’s important to call these things out because it’s kind of corroding democracy.”

She said the abuse is almost always online and not in person.