"I'm Going To Cut His Head Off" Threat Prompts Kildare South's Seán Ó Fearghaíl To Examine Enhanced Security For TDs And Senators

Monday, 12 August 2024 10:26

By Martin Osborne

Mr. Ó Fearghaíl also shared an incident involving a letter from someone claiming to know personal details about him, including his car number, home address, and health condition

A recent survey conducted by the Irish Independent has revealed the alarming extent of threats of violence against Irish politicians.

Out of 67 respondents in a survey of 218 TDs and senators, 60 reported receiving threats either online or in person.

Ceann Comhairle and Kildare South TD Seán Ó Fearghaíl disclosed that one individual had threatened to "cut his head off".

Of those who received threats, 52 had reported them to the gardaí or sought their advice.

In light of the incidents, Mr. Ó Fearghaíl is considering increasing the security allowance available to TDs and senators, which can be used to purchase security equipment like alarms and CCTV.

Mr. Ó Fearghaíl also shared a disturbing incident involving a letter from someone claiming to know personal details about him, including his car number, home address, and health condition, expressing hope that his cancer would be fatal. He described this as a "potentially far more dangerous" threat.

“That’s far more premeditative, far more considered, potentially far more dangerous than somebody coming to the office and in frustration saying, ‘oh, when I get him I’m going to cut his head off’.

“Because it is not an off-the-cuff remark – that has been thought about, planned and then posted and meant to cause as much upset as possible," he said.