Kildare Cllr calls out 'deliberate attempt to intimidate and frighten women in public office'

A female Kildare county councillor has called out an individual who carried out a 'deliberate attempt to intimidate and frighten women in public office'.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Donna Phelan, who represents the Clane-Maynooth Municipal District, took to social media to make the statement.

She revealed that on Wednesday, July 29 last, she Wednesday received a ‘deeply unsettling’ phone call, and has since made a statement to An Garda Síochána in relation to the incident.

Cllr Phelan elaborated: “Sadly, I wasn’t alone; More than 70 female councillors across Ireland were targeted by the same individual in what appears to have been a deliberate attempt to intimidate and frighten women in public office.

“I absolutely love being your local councillor; whether it’s helping with local issues, advocating for our community, or supporting residents one-to-one, it is a privilege to serve the people of Maynooth and North Kildare, and that won’t change.”

CHANGES

Instead, she emphasised that what will change is how she chooses to answer her phone, as a result of the harrowing incident.

“From today [July 31], I will no longer answer calls from private or withheld numbers.

“If you need to contact me, please leave a voicemail, send me a text or email, and I will always get back to you as soon as I can.

“If no message is left, I will assume the matter isn’t urgent and I won’t be returning the call.

“I’m sorry if this causes any inconvenience, but I have to take sensible steps to protect myself while continuing to do the job I love.”

She concluded: “Thank you, as always, for your kindness, support and understanding; we should all be able to serve our communities without fear of harassment.”

Cllr Phelan’s revelation was praised by her party colleague Cllr Carmel Kelly, who commented: “Well said Donna, will be following your course of action, keep safe.”

Another party colleague of hers, Cork-based Cllr Patrick Donovan, said in a social media post: “I stand with all my colleagues across the country who have suffered abuse and harassment.”

“It takes a lot to put yourself forward to represent your community,” he added. “Politics should be a safe space for everyone.”

Lastly, a separate commenter on Cllr Phelan’s post had this to say about the situation: “Donna, that’s absolutely horrendous, I’m so sorry you had to be subjected to this.

“You are always so open and have time for anyone; I hope you are ok.”

They further said: “Both yourself and Cllr Angela Feeney [Labour Party] give so much to Maynooth and surrounding areas.”

The commenter concluded: “You have our support.”

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