Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Thousands of words have been written and millions have been spoken, as we all try to grapple with the cruel and shocking murder of Ashling Murphy. I want to extend my most sincere sympathy to her family, partner, friends and the wider community in Tullamore.

Over the last few days, many women have huddled and spoken quietly to family and friends. Many have walked silently, carrying lighted candles. Others have scoured social media for any news. This is because this tragic murder has burrowed its way into the marrow of our very bones. We might ask, “Why?” There have been so many other unspeakable attacks and killings of women in Ireland. Why now? I think that one of the answers to that question was clearly expressed by the hashtag, "She was just going for a run". That is a simple, everyday thing that so many women do. On with the runners and out the door. However, women know that it is not that simple. We look out and might think it is getting a bit close to dusk or that the area where I run under the trees is a bit dark. I might decide to move over to the other side of the road where it is lit.

I might ring someone to come out with me because there is safety in numbers. It goes on and on, with those kinds of thoughts just flitting through our minds. They all boil down to one thing - what is the safest thing to do? In truth, those thoughts are not always at the forefront of our minds but they are always there. They are hardwired into our brains. That is one of the reasons shock waves spread right across the country. What happened to young, talented, beautiful Ashling Murphy can happen to any woman and we know it. For the women terrorised in their own homes, the teenage girls who have stopped cycling to school because of the demeaning comments of passers-by, including teenage boys and adult males, and for all women, we in this House must ensure we have resourced strategies, implemented policies and appropriate legislation so women feel, and are, safe in Ireland.

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