Sinister hatred is alive and well in Ireland judging by the mob that descended on Leo Varadkar’s home on Sunday afternoon.
The big-mouthed far-right protesters decided to show up at his door shouting homophobic abuse and making false allegations.
They abused him for saving lives by encouraging us to get vaccinated against the deadly Covid-19 virus.
The gardai were called to the scene such was the angry venom.
The shameful, poisonous behaviour was also there for all to see in a video posted on social media.
I don’t care what anyone says but no politician deserves this kind of harassment and abuse.
No matter who they are or what party they represent, our politicians are entitled to privacy at their home.
Their partners and family should not be intimidated and made fear for their lives. Leo’s partner Dr Matt Barrett has absolutely nothing to do with politics.
This individual targeting by the mob has no place in our politics or society.
Leo is just the latest victim. Before this we have had three other ministers – Simon Harris, Stephen Donnelly and Roderick O’Gorman – targeted at their homes.
Just imagine how scared their families felt.
I would regularly disagree with decisions Leo has taken but I would never get personal.
You disagree with the policies, not the individual. But also a person’s sexuality has nothing to do with politics in this country and is their own business.
The homophobic abuse Leo received was truly shocking.
Twitter is the sewer that is fuelling much of this right-wing hatred.
People using anonymous accounts to spread lies, innuendo, and hateful, evil propaganda.
Unless we bring in new laws to stop it and ban these anonymous accounts once and for all this hatefest won’t stop.
And more importantly ordinary, decent, talented people who want to give public service will not get involved in politics. Ireland will be the poorer for it.
These far-right protesters really think they can do what they like.
Gardai must now identify each and every one of them who were outside Leo’s door and charge them with inciting hatred.
I am all for peaceful protests but not in private residential areas. It is time we had a new law banning public protests in residential areas.
Ireland is an open liberal society and let’s keep it that way. And I was glad Mary Lou McDonald came out and condemned the protest against Leo before anyone started blaming Sinn Fein, who had nothing to do with it.
