Threats of death, violence and sexual assault have been reported by local politicians who responded to a survey on intimidation they face in the course of their work. All 949 councillors were encouraged to take part in an online survey on threats harassment and intimidation in public office. Almost one in ten of those who responded said they had received death threats. Sixty per cent of respondents said they got threats over social media and one third in a face-to-face setting while half either got threats via phone calls or text message. Letters made up one tenth of threats and some 4.5 per cent were communicated to a family member of the councillor.

Source: The Irish Times May 27, 2021 14:42 UTC