Offaly Councillor Among Female Councillors Targeted by Harassing Calls
An Offaly councillor has revealed she was among more than 70 female councillors across Ireland who have reportedly been targeted by a series of harassing phone calls.
Claire Murray shared her experience on social media, saying she was relieved to learn she was not alone, despite wishing nobody else had been subjected to the ordeal.
In her post, Cllr Murray said she was one of at least 70 female councillors nationally who had been contacted by a man using a withheld number. She said the caller phoned continuously and, if answered, made disturbing comments concerning underage girls before continuing to call from a private number.
She added that An Garda Síochána is working to trace the calls and identify the person responsible.
Cllr Murray also urged anyone trying to contact her not to call from a private or withheld number or leave a voicemail from a withheld number while the investigation continues.
The Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) said it has received reports from more than 70 female councillors across different local authorities and political parties who have allegedly received persistent anonymous phone calls containing disturbing and inappropriate sexual comments.
According to the AILG, the reports suggest women in public office are being specifically targeted. The organisation has advised councillors not to answer calls from withheld numbers, keep records of any incidents and report them to Gardaí.
AILG President Aengus O’Rourke described the reports as “deeply concerning”, saying no elected representative should have to endure harassment simply for serving their community.
Meanwhile, James Browne said he was “appalled” by the reports, adding that such behaviour “cannot be tolerated or normalised in any fashion.”
Offaly TD Tony McCormack also condemned the reported harassment in a statement shared on social media.
“I am deeply disturbed by reports that female councillors across Ireland have been subjected to sexually explicit and abusive harassment over the past week,” he said.
He added that no public representative should have to endure such degrading behaviour simply for serving their community, describing local councillors as among the most accessible public representatives in the country. He expressed his full support and solidarity with those affected and said those responsible must be identified and held accountable.
Garda investigations into the reported calls are ongoing.
