Show summary Hide summary
Gardaí say they have identified a suspect in a wave of abusive phone calls that reportedly affected up to 80 female councillors across Ireland. Among those targeted was Wexford Sinn Féin councillor Aoife Rose O’Brien, who says the calls continued while she was pregnant and during labour.
Disturbing calls, including during labour
O’Brien told reporters she received as many as 30 calls made at all hours. She described the content as deeply upsetting, saying one caller claimed to have sexual images of children and spoke about having paedophilic urges. Her partner, also a councillor, recorded several of the calls and answered many of them.
Funeral plans announced after Dublin gig death of Westlife fan
Search under way after air ambulance loses radar contact
Speaking from home, O’Brien said she felt “relieved” to learn a suspect had been identified. She added the harassment left her hyper‑vigilant and weighed on her at a vulnerable time when she had hoped to focus on her family.
Police action and formal inquiry
Gardaí have carried out a search at a premises connected to the inquiry and seized a number of mobile phones and other media devices for forensic analysis. The matter is being examined at national level by the An Garda Síochána’s Special Detective Unit, and a liaison officer has been appointed to O’Brien.
In a statement, Gardaí said any threats against elected representatives are taken seriously and urged public representatives to report harassment to their local station. They noted that Liaison Inspectors were appointed in each division before the 2024 local and European elections and that Divisional Crime Prevention Officers can advise on personal safety.
Political bodies and wider concerns
The Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) said it is seriously concerned that reports have come only from female councillors, suggesting a targeted campaign of harassment. AILG has contacted all 959 female councillors to urge them to prioritise their safety.
O’Brien, who chairs Wexford’s mental health working group and was first elected two years ago, said the episode highlighted broader issues around anonymous contact and the use of social media. She warned that public representatives cannot simply stop taking calls while on duty, and called for stronger safeguards.
Resources and guidance for candidates
Earlier this year, An Garda Síochána, together with Women For Election and See Her Elected, published a safety guide for female election candidates with practical advice for canvassing and protecting teams. The Garda and Coimisiún na Meán also issued guidance on online safety for candidates.
The investigation remains ongoing. Gardaí say seized items will be subject to further forensic examination as enquiries continue into the campaign of harassment highlighted in July’s reporting.
