Kildare Cllr calls out 'deliberate attempt to intimidate and frighten women in public office'
A female Kildare county councillor has called out an individual who carried out a 'deliberate attempt to intimidate and frighten women in public office'.
Fianna Fáil Cllr Donna Phelan, who represents the Clane - Maynooth Municipal District, took to social media to make the statement.
She revealed that on Wednesday, July 29 last, she Wednesday received a ‘deeply unsettling’ phone call, and has since made a statement to An Garda Síochána in relation to the incident.
Cllr Phelan elaborated: “Sadly, I wasn’t alone; More than 70 female councillors across Ireland were targeted by the same individual in what appears to have been a deliberate attempt to intimidate and frighten women in public office.
“I absolutely love being your local councillor; whether it’s helping with local issues, advocating for our community, or supporting residents one-to-one, it is a privilege to serve the people of Maynooth and North Kildare, and that won’t change.”
Instead, she emphasised that what will change is how she chooses to answer her phone, as a result of the harrowing incident.
“From today [July 31], I will no longer answer calls from private or withheld numbers.
“If you need to contact me, please leave a voicemail, send me a text or email, and I will always get back to you as soon as I can.
“If no message is left, I will assume the matter isn’t urgent and I won’t be returning the call.
“I’m sorry if this causes any inconvenience, but I have to take sensible steps to protect myself while continuing to do the job I love.”
She concluded: “Thank you, as always, for your kindness, support and understanding; we should all be able to serve our communities without fear of harassment.”
Cllr Phelan’s revelation was praised by her party colleague Cllr Carmel Kelly, who commented: “Well said Donna, will be following your course of action, keep safe.”
Another party colleague of hers, Cork-based Cllr Patrick Donovan, said in a social media post: “I stand with all my colleagues across the country who have suffered abuse and harassment.”
“It takes a lot to put yourself forward to represent your community,” he added. “ Politics should be a safe space for everyone.”
Lastly, a separate commenter on Cllr Phelan’s post had this to say about the situation: “Donna, that’s absolutely horrendous, I’m so sorry you had to be subjected to this.
“You are always so open and have time for anyone; I hope you are ok.”
They further said: “Both yourself and Cllr Angela Feeney [Labour Party] give so much to Maynooth and surrounding areas.”
The commenter concluded: “You have our support.”
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