Taoiseach says gardaí fear lone wolf attack on politicians

Olivia Kelleher 

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has indicated that Gardaí who provide security for politicians have an “ultimate fear” of lone wolf attacks.

Speaking at the end of the Fianna Fáil 'think-in' in Cork city, Mr Martin called on the public, politicians, and commentators to refrain from using inflammatory language and engaging in personalised attacks.

Mr Martin said he was concerned that political violence and racist attacks could become the defining issue of this period.

"We liaise with Gardaí continuously. Over the years, and particularly in recent times, death threats can be issued (against politicians)," he said.

"But some may relate to mental health issues in terms of some individuals who may have had difficulties in their lives... they find that out, it is relayed back to you and that is that."

"What the Garda have said to us - and they have said it consistently - is that the ultimate fear is what is called a lone wolf attack."

"It could come in any situation and at any time."

"That is the consistent advice from An Garda Síochána. We as ministers and as Taoiseach, I have good security - I wish to thank the Gardaí who are outside my home on a continual basis and those who are with me throughout the day."

Mr Martin insisted that “security is quite strong.”

“The concern we would have more widely and the Tánaiste (Simon Harris) has had particular threats to his family - in one case that accessed the private platforms of a family member which is concerning."

"The wider issue of the aggression in public discourse...the absence of space in which to discuss things. To me, it is a concern. The aggression towards people in society because of their ethnicity, race or religion is increasing and is a big worry."

"As I have said earlier, I met with the Inter Faith Dialogue some weeks ago and it was the main item of discussion."

"I spoke to young people and I was very taken by their submissions on this issue. Because of their ethnicity, skin colour or race they were being targeted. This is increasing. We really do have to address that in a sensible, intelligent and strategic way."

Mr Martin said that we need to go back to the drawing board in terms of how we engage in society and assert the primacy of a values-based approach.

“Tolerance, welcome, diversity and inclusion as fundamental tenets of Irish society."

"There is a challenge to that at the moment - there is no point saying there is not."

"We are witnessing it in other countries - to me, it could become the key issue of our time."

Mr Martin said it was vital that we try to dial down the temperature within political discourse.

He warned that female politicians have been particularly targeted.

"Women politicians have taken an increased level of negative and hostile commentary, and not just in relation to politics."

"They have been targeted in that regard. That is reprehensible. The Dáil at large has been working on this for quite some time.

This Dáil and the last Dáil, in terms of providing greater support...all public representatives need to look after their mental well being because the pressures are much more severe today than they would have been when I started in politics. I think social media is a significant factor in that."

Mr Martin said that of the great strengths of Irish politics is the access to politicians.

“It is a strength for us because it keeps our feet on the ground. It keeps us in touch, whether it is through clinics or just walking the streets and meeting people. It is very, very important. It is a cherished part of our political party system, and we should do everything we can to retain it.

He stated that, like other politicians, he has been targeted.

"Absolutely - we have had attacks on our premises from protestors in terms of Palestine. Some of the things scrawled down do not stand up to any objective scrutiny."

"All of us need to listen better to each other. When we were all in school in the second and third levels, debate was the premium issue. Universities should be sacred ground for debate and for freedom of expression."

"In some meetings I have been at in universities, some people storm the meeting and start roaring and shouting.

"That is shouting down democracy and shouting down the opportunity for people to hear other perspectives. I have always stood my ground in those situations."

"I am a fundamental and passionate democrat."