Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Through hanging posters and knocking on doors, we have a very intimate relationship with our electorate as part of our democracy. Over recent weeks, I have watched local election candidates who simply want to hang their posters and knock on doors receive a level of vitriol that I have not witnessed during my time in politics. It is having a chilling effect. In my constituency, I have seen two women, one on my party's team, being threatened with a box blade to take down the posters. Yesterday, a local election candidate was physically abused. I welcome the Ceann Comhairle's report on safe participation in public life, which he launched yesterday. I simply want to ask the Tánaiste whether he is aware of this increasing danger, particularly for those candidates who simply want to knock on doors and engage in the democratic process. It is becoming an increasing threat. I want to know that the Tánaiste is aware of it and there are actions to be followed.

See this speech in context