Kildare politician forgives man who threatened his life

Naas senator Aubrey McCarthy says he has forgiven a man who threatened his life and who was given a prison sentence at Wicklow Circuit Court last week.

It followed threats to Mr McCarthy and staff at Tiglin, the addiction recovery residential rehabilitation centre.

Mr McCarthy said the threats were “serious, credible and deeply disruptive to the vital work carried out by those supporting people facing homelessness and addiction.” 

In his victim impact statement, Senator McCarthy described the fear and heightened security measures required following the threats and the impact on colleagues who work daily to serve vulnerable people. 

He also acknowledged the significant mental health and addiction challenges faced by the individual responsible. 

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While this does not excuse his actions, this context underscores the urgent need for stronger mental health supports in Ireland, he said.

“As the co-founder of a homelessness and addiction charity my role has been to advocate,  listen and stand with the most marginalised in society. I know that speaking out and working for change can attract opposition. 

“But I never expected the fear and disruption that came when the threats became personal, direct and credible, not just to me, but to my staff, my colleagues, and those who serve beside me in hope and purpose.”

Numerous threats were received on social media, but it was only when his secretary received a phone call that frightened the wits out of her, that he contacted the gardaí. 

“They were real and I had no choice but to make a formal statement. Not for myself alone, but for the people who work long hours, often in thankless roles, to bring dignity and support to others.”

 He also said the individual behind the threats was struggling with significant mental health and addiction issues. 

“This doesn’t excuse the actions, but it adds context. As a society, we need to do more not just in crisis, but long before people reach breaking point. Our mental health system must be stronger, more compassionate, more accessible. 

I have chosen to forgive the individual behind these threats. Not because it was easy and it didn’t matter, but because I believe in the redemptive power of compassion. I believe that people can be unwell and still be loved.”