The past two weeks have given me a chance to meet with the Gardaí a number of times, assess my home and personal security and just make sure my family were okay. I needed the time and break away to find the head space to do this as it has been a very stressful period for our family.
I also realised if anything, that I too, am human and that there is a point in all of our lives, whatever pressures our various home or work situations bring, that can mentally become overwhelming. Admitting that as a politician is probably unheard of but I made a commitment to the electorate and to myself that I would only every continue if I could give the job 100% commitment.
I have always tried to do this and have been truly honoured to serve as Mayor of the city I love but felt I could not do that effectively in the state of mind I was in two weeks ago. The gardaí are now progressing their investigations and my family and I are in a better place mentally.
.
Therefore, I am confident I can once again give the role 100% commitment as is required. We are very grateful to so many people reach out and offer us their thoughts and support. It is a comfort to know that across society, people can see what was done to us was wrong and that Ireland is not ready for an attack on democracy.
I want to thank my Deputy Mayor and Colleagues on Galway City Council for their solidarity and support as well as the full elected body of Galway County Council who passed a motion of support. My situation was also raised in Seanad Éireann by Senators Keoghan and Crowe as well as by Cathaoirleach Senator Mark Daly.
.
I also understand that the Minister is to come before the Senate in April to discuss further legislation to make sure those making such vile and serious threats towards an elected representative are dealt with by the courts accordingly.
What touched me most was the contact from around Ireland from various elected members who have been subject to intimidation and bullying on a regular basis but never felt the courage to speak out for a number of reasons but mainly that they assumed as a public representative their claims would not be taken seriously.
.
This is the perception I now want to change. We all enter public life to make a difference and represent our communities the best we can. We are all then open to be challenged, scrutinized and opposed but nobody regardless of what badge or banner they fly under in public life deserves to have their families, their home and their personal headspace attacked by faceless individuals.
Protect people from intimidation
Bullies will try to operate in every walk of life - schools, colleges, workplaces, homes etc. I have decided to stand up to them, I hope this now becomes a catalyst for others who may be subjected to intimidation and harassment. I encourage anyone in this situation to go to the Gardaí and speak to them as every one of us deserves to live, be educated and work in an environment free of hostilities.
.
My children, your children or your grandchildren may someday wish to represent their community in local Government. I believe it is now our responsibility to ensure they are protected from this form of intimidation.
We need to act as one to protect the very democracy we hold so dear. If not, I fear we will fail to attract the very people we need in local and national Government to offer a diverse representation in future.
'I am too ambitions to call it a day just yet'
.
Finally, there are only two ways that I will leave political life – if I decide to step down at any stage by my own free will or by choice of the electorate in the ballot box which is the only form of democracy Irecognize.
A third option - being driven out of public life by faceless cowards is not on the table. I have worked too hard and I am too ambitions to call it a day just yet. Let us now use this cross party/non-party support for my situation and turn it into proper protections for the generation coming behind me who wish to step up and represent their communities. We owe that to them but also must send a message loud and clear that we are not willing to accept these actions from those who wish tointimidate, bully andtorment others.
