O'Rourke condemns 'targeted harassment' of female councillors

Westmeath Fianna Fáil councillor and president of the Association of Irish Local Government (AILG), Aengus O'Rourke, has condemned what he described as a targeted campaign of harassment against female councillors following reports of persistent and distressing abusive telephone calls.

AILG said it has been made aware of a number of incidents involving repeated calls from an individual who has subjected female elected members from across the political spectrum to disturbing and inappropriate sexual comments.

To date, AILG has received reports only from female councillors, indicating the behaviour appears to be a deliberate campaign targeting women serving in local government.

Describing the reports as "deeply concerning", Cllr O'Rourke said: "No female elected representative should be subjected to harassment, intimidation or abusive behaviour simply because she has chosen to serve her community."

He said the pattern of reports suggested a coordinated effort to target women in public office.

"Women in local government should never have to accept harassment as part of their role. AILG stands firmly with every councillor who has been affected."

Cllr O'Rourke said the association was working closely with An Garda Síochána and urged anyone affected to report every incident, and to retain details of the calls where possible.

Head of operations Elaine Lynch said AILG have provided female councillors with practical guidance on screening telephone calls and advice on reporting incidents to Garda Liaison Officers.

"While this behaviour has been directed at female councillors, it is an attack on local democracy itself. Women should not have to endure intimidation or sexual harassment as a consequence of holding elected office," Ms Lynch said.

AILG is also asking members of the public to be mindful that female councillors may now be exercising greater caution when receiving calls from withheld or private numbers.

Where possible, members of the public are asked not to contact councillors from private or withheld numbers. Instead, they are encouraged to leave a voicemail, send a text message or email, or use the published contact details available through their local authority.

The association said that would help councillors distinguish genuine enquiries from nuisance or harassing calls while ensuring legitimate constituents can continue to access their elected representatives.