Young Fine Gael (YFG) has today issued a strong condemnation of the targeted and distressing harassment campaign currently affecting female councillors across Ireland. YFG has expressed deep concern following widespread reports of sexually explicit, abusive and intimidating phone calls being made from withheld numbers to women by an unidentified individual.
Bebhinn Lombard, Director of Women’s Engagement and Munster Regional Organiser said: “This behaviour is designed to intimate women out of public life. YFG stands fully behind every councillor affected and urges authorities to identify those responsible and strengthen safeguarding measures.”
Isabelle Danes, Vice President and Director of Communication said: “Women in politics already face disproportionate levels of abuse. This coordinated campaign is a deeply alarming escalation. Harassessment is not and should not be part of public service.
We are calling for cross-party solidarity to ensure that harassment of public representatives is confronted collectively and unequivocally. We also emphasis the need for clear recognition that political intimidation is a direct threat to democratic participation and must be addressed with urgency.”
Jamie Malone, President of YFG said: “This behaviour is abhorrent and completely unacceptable. These calls represent a direct attack on democratic participation. YFG stands firmly with every councillor affected and offers our full support to each of them”.
YFG is calling for a swift investigation by An Garda Siochana to determine the coordinated nature of the harassment campaign and identify the individual responsible. YFG is urging the introduction of enhanced safeguarding protocols for councillors, with particular attention to women and younger representatives who are disproportionately targeted.
YFG reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ensuring that women can participate in public life without fear, intimidation or harassment. The organisation will continue to advocate for safer political environments, stronger protections for elected representatives, and a culture that values and respects women’s leadership at every level.