By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PAPoliticians showing each other more respect is “the best armour” against interference in the democratic process, the Minister for Culture and Media has said. There have been incidents in recent years that have raised concerns about politicians’ safety and questions on whether light-touch security for senior politicians may need to be ramped up. Junior minister Thomas Byrne said there “can’t be” the end of canvassing in Ireland because it was important to maintain a connection with the public. She said of the incident with Mr O’Gorman: “I just really felt for him and I think it goes against what we really cherish here in democracy. “I always think in the House and the floor of the Dáil … if we treat each other with respect, that’s the greatest way we can tackle it, actually.

Source: The Herald November 04, 2024 15:20 UTC