Editorial: Threats to politicians are threats to democracy

The threat to democracy comes slowly and then all at once.

The gradual weakening of democratic institutions over time can lead to the unthinkable - a partial or total breakdown of democracy.

In February research from the University of Southampton found trust in parliaments, governments and political parties has been declining in democratic countries around the world. Researchers said the findings were a ‘warning sign’ that could pave the way for non-democratic political leaders to use the state in more autocratic ways.

This weekend, online threats against the family of An Tánaiste Simon Harris were posted on social media. A criminal investigation is under way.

Mr Harris said: “This weekend, I received direct threats targeting my family. As a father, I have very strong views and feelings on this as you can imagine. As a political leader, I find it unacceptable in every way. Let me be clear: threatening people - any person - is a crime. Threatening children is despicable. It is cowardice and it is a line that no decent society should tolerate being crossed.”

And on Tuesday Coimisiún na Meán issued a research report which found almost 60% of general election candidates and nearly half of local election candidates surveyed reported experiencing negative online behaviour during the most recent elections.

The report examined the online experiences of candidates who participated in the 2024 local and general elections.

There were high rates of negative online experiences among surveyed candidates who used social media. 59% of general election candidates and 48% of local election candidates experienced offensive, abusive or hateful behaviour; violent or intimidating behaviour or someone impersonating a candidate. The abuse had a significant impact on candidates’ wellbeing. High rates of anxiety were reported, especially among female candidates. 47% of all candidates reported feeling a little anxious or afraid with 15% of all candidates feeling very anxious or afraid. That meant 62% of all candidates and 72% of all female candidates felt a little or very anxious or afraid.

This weekend, online threats against the family of Tánaiste Simon Harris were posted on social media. A criminal investigation is under way.

It’s clear it’s never been harder to be a politician and things are worsening. We need more people to run for election, not less.

We are on the cusp of another election and this report is very worrying. And threatening the family of a politician is a threat to democracy itself. We need to be very wary.