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More than 70 female councillors across Ireland have reported receiving anonymous, sexually explicit phone calls from a man who says he is a paedophile and wants “to be challenged.” The incidents, which councillors and the Association of Irish Local Government describe as an assault on women in local politics, are now the subject of a Garda inquiry.
Nature of the calls and how targets were chosen
Women who answered the calls describe a sustained campaign of harassment. The caller reportedly used blocked numbers and, in some cases, distorted his voice while making graphic references to child sexual abuse and threats of rape and sexual assault.
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Several councillors say he used publicly available details from council websites to name the local areas where recipients live. After some conversations, those councillors reported a rapid increase in follow-up calls to them or to people they knew.
How councillors experienced the abuse
Kerry councillor and Tralee mayor Angie Baily told RTÉ she received five calls in one week. She says the man identified himself as a paedophile and repeatedly invited confrontation, describing in disturbing detail his behaviour and preferences.
Other elected representatives reported similar patterns. Sinn Féin councillor Michelle Gould said she was rung late one night and that the caller used a very low, unsettling voice and knew her full name. Independent councillor Máirín McGrath and Fine Gael councillor Vicky Casserly each said they believed the voice may have been altered. Casserly has logged more than two dozen calls in recent days.
Garda investigation under way
The case is being handled by the Gardaí’s Special Detective Unit, which, besides counterterrorism work, is tasked with state security matters. Detectives are examining whether the harassment stems from a single individual or multiple people using so-called burner phones and are liaising with mobile providers to trace where SIMs were purchased or activated.
A Garda spokesman confirmed the SDU is investigating and added that any threats against elected representatives or candidates are taken seriously and will be pursued.
Political reaction and support measures
The Association of Irish Local Government warned the campaign amounts to an attack on women serving in local government and has been contacting female officeholders to offer advice and support. The organisation said it has attempted to reach about 900 women and had received reports from councillors in multiple local authorities and parties.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the harassment as “deeply disturbing,” saying no one should face intimidation while performing public duties. Tánaiste Simon Harris called the behaviour “extremely distressing and concerning,” adding that it is intolerable in a democracy.
Local representatives say reports have come in from different parties and areas, and some councillors voiced concern the episode may involve more than one perpetrator. Several have contacted Gardaí and sought professional support as the probe continues.
Reporting: Muiris Ó Cearbhaill, Garreth MacNamee and Brian Mahon
