Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

This is something that should be celebrated, facilitated, welcomed, and championed. Her mental health will always be in a good place as long as people facilitate and support her, and acknowledge the big impact she is having on the world, instead of resisting, trolling, and questioning her abilities as a young woman. My daughter became passionately involved in the area of suicide and suicide ideation when she was 12, and instead of telling her where her place was, I facilitated her as best I could.

Some of these comments are coming from a Senator who supported extending the voting age to 16, yet he is now saying that this is adults' work. Senator Craughwell should have some substance and consistency in what he says before criticising a young 16 year old woman for becoming one of the biggest political activists this world has seen in generations. Instead of attacking young girls' appearances or the green movement, he should attack the people who try to dismantle and disenfranchise young women like Ms Thunberg, because that is where his energy will be much better spent.