Mairead McGuinness finds abusive graffiti near her home

MEP Mairead McGuinness has told of abusive graffiti that was painted on a wall close to her home in Co Meath and “included a four letter word that is very offensive to women”.

“I would worry about the mental health of the person who did this. I think it is sinister. I spoke to the gardaí, but I don’t know what they can do about this.

“It is out of kilter for the area. Someone obviously doesn’t think well of politicians to say that in such a public place. It is upsetting to say the least.”

McGuinness was speaking alongside Joan Burton about the abuse of female politicians on social media, in the wake of the murder of British Labour MP Jo Cox last week.

Social media companies need to be more proactive in filtering out abuse says former Labour leader Joan Burton.

Certain derogatory words, especially those aimed specifically at females, should be filtered out entirely rather than just certain letters blanked out, said Ms Burton.

Speaking on RTE’s Today with Sean O’Rourke show Ms Burton said that abuse on social media was like a virus travelling through society.

“There is a climate of hate speech. These are cowards who would not physically attack you, but they feel emboldened on social media.”

Ms McGuinness said that everyone in politics had been traumatised by the murder of Jo Cox.

“You think should I be more worried? What were the circumstances that this could happen? She was gunned down with her assistant. I am accompanied everywhere by my assistant. This is a cause for concern.”

Ms Burton expressed concern about the coarsening of political debate. “What is being said these days on social media is meant to dehumanise and debase women. There are times when it reaches out and touches your family and friends, your nieces and nephews. They ask why is this happening?”

She asked: “why would a woman who is involved in local activities, with her school board or GAA club. Why would she switch to a situation where you have to warn friends and family about things that will be said.

“In the old days it was a drunk in a pub at the end of the night who said something, now they are spewing out negative things on social media.”

Ms McGuinness said she tried not to see what was being said on social media. “There are moments when it is best not to know. I don’t rush to look. Ever so often I get a kick in the gut when I read what has been said. I am mindful of my own mental health and the mental health of other politicians.”

Ms Burton added: “No one is saying political debate should be limited. I’m just asking social media companies to look at the consequences.

"I understand that people are angry about the crash. If we want to make Ireland better, is this kind of talk helping us?

“Most people in politics are there to better the lives of their neighbours, their communities and Ireland.”