Rose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator McDowell and the group for allowing me to contribute before them. I express my solidarity with the family of Jo Cox and the sympathies of Sinn Féin's Senators to her husband, Brendan, her two young children, her constituents and the British Labour Party. She was a mother, sister and daughter whose life was taken in horrific circumstances.

Jo showed through her previous career helping terrified and vulnerable people fleeing the most terrible violence in Syria that politics could still attract those with sincere motives and the will to work for social justice. Above all else, Jo Cox was a public servant and a worker who was murdered in her place of work. This in itself is a worrying development for those of us whose daily job means meeting the public. As Seanadóirí and Teachtaí, we are only representatives of the people. It is only through meeting and engaging with those whom we are sent here to represent that politics has any meaningful impact on people's lives. That such a basic function of democracy can come under attack is despicable.

Being on the receiving end of violence and abuse is not the preserve of any political party, but public representatives of our party have been shot and, indeed, killed over the years. What Jo Cox's husband said about sending a message of unity instead of hatred was poignant. Freedom of speech is needed and diversity of opinion must be protected. Robust, passionate debates are an integral part of political life, but the aggressive and violent targeting of individuals because of their opinions or stances on particular issues is wrong and will always be so. This happens at all levels. I was only a short time in local politics when a man entered my office, banged on the desk and told me that if I did not stop my "nonsense" about domestic violence, I would be very sorry. I have received the most vile anonymous correspondence and telephone calls and bullying on social media. I am not alone in that; many other men and women receive the same verbal abuse.

The role of some elements of the media in inciting hatred of particular politicians is gutter, inhumane behaviour and reflects more on their negative core beliefs and values. This must stop.This hatred for politicians fostered by some journalists is a huge barrier to many young women and men entering politics. One might ask why any sane person would want to enter the most hated profession in the world. The profession of politics requires one to stand up for justice and for what one believes in but also makes one a target for abuse. If we are to genuinely honour the legacy of Jo Cox, we must unite against hatred and against the vilification of people just because of the political party to which they belong or the views they hold. We must all stand together, across all parties, against that at all times.