The “hateful comments” aimed at female politicians online appears to be getting worse, according to one local Sinn Féin candidate. 

Ballyfermot native Róisín Tracey has been involved in politics “for years” and announced her first run in the 2024 local elections with Sinn Féin two weeks ago. 

After she announced her run, she told Lunchtime Live she noticed an immediate flood of “trolling and abuse online”. 

“I noticed in recent weeks, the amount of hate and nastiness and comments people are using seem to have gone up a notch from what we would have received prior to the candidacy being announced,” she said. 

“I don’t think I can repeat what those comments said on daytime radio. 

“The sheer barrage of vitriol, nastiness, venom, hateful comments flooded in on social medias.” 

'They're more derogatory to women'

Ms Tracey said this level of hateful comments don’t differ across parties, but they do across gender. 

“Our male counterparts do get a certain level of abusive messages and criticism online,” she said. 

“But it’s the language used - men are criticised on their action, their policies, their performance. 

“When it comes to women, the message is aimed more at our appearance, how we dress. 

“They’re more derogatory terms to attempt to discredit us and deter us from politics.” 

Public hate

Ms Tracey said criticism is expected for public figures, but she shouldn’t be expected to put up with the “abuse” she receives.

“It just seems that this year – and I’ve been involved in politics for a long time – that it seems to be, in the past year, the level of hate has gotten worse,” she said. 

“I’d nearly be afraid to recommend politics as a career for young women because for the battering it takes.” 

She said she’s often told to simply “ignore” the comments she receives online. 

“I can't just tune out those comments,” she argued. 

“I want to be able to relate to people in my area and reach out to me if they need to.”

'I don't want to stay silent'

People should focus on how to reduce hate towards women, according to Ms Tracey.

“The conversations are happening and I’m happy we’re talking about women in the political sphere and the different barriers involved,” she said. 

“But it needs to continue. 

“You get shamed for calling it out – but I don’t want to stay silent.” 

Local elections will take place in Ireland in June 2024.