20 October 2026
The Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) has strongly condemned the threats, intimidation and discriminatory abuse directed at local elected representatives, following disturbing reports involving Limerick’s Directly Elected Mayor, John Moran, and Galway City Mayor, Cllr. Helen Ogbu.
The recent reports of death threats and homophobic abuse directed at Mayor Moran, alongside racist abuse and calls for deportation directed at Mayor Ogbu, are deeply concerning and wholly unacceptable.
AILG has warned that the normalisation of abuse and harassment against public representatives poses a wider threat to democratic participation and the values upon which local democracy is built.
AILG President Cllr. Aengus O’Rourke said:
“First and foremost, I want to express, on behalf of AILG and our 950 councillors across Ireland, our full support and solidarity with John Moran and Helen Ogbu following these appalling incidents.
“We must never take our democracy for granted. Democracy is precious, and perhaps more fragile than we sometimes realise. It depends on ordinary people being willing to put themselves forward, to represent their communities, to make difficult decisions and to work towards the greater good of society.
“These are people who choose to give their time, energy and commitment to public service because they want to make a positive difference in their communities. They should never have to fear for their safety, or that of their families, simply for doing so.
“Of course, elected representatives must be open to criticism, challenge and robust public debate. That is fundamental to democracy. But what we have witnessed in recent days, with the deeply offensive racist, homophobic and threatening comments directed at John Moran and Helen Ogbu, goes far beyond legitimate criticism. It is disgusting, deeply hurtful and completely unacceptable.
“Abuse and harassment should never be accepted as ‘just part of the job’. We need to challenge that attitude wherever it exists. Holding public office does not mean giving up your right to personal safety, dignity or respect.
“And we need to think about the wider consequences. What message does this behaviour send to a young person, a woman, or someone from a minority background who might be considering putting themselves forward for election? We should be encouraging more people to participate in public life, not creating an environment that frightens them away.
“When we discourage good people from stepping forward to serve their communities, we weaken our democracy. And that should concern every one of us.
“AILG has consistently spoken out against threats, harassment and intimidation of elected representatives over a number of years, and we will continue to do so. We stand firmly with all those who experience this behaviour, regardless of their political affiliation or background.
“Local democracy belongs to all of us. It gives our communities a voice and ensures that decisions affecting people’s everyday lives are made with democratic representation and accountability.
“We must protect it, we must value it, and above all, we must never take it for granted.“
AILG has repeatedly highlighted the growing concerns around abuse, harassment and intimidation of elected members and the impact this can have on their wellbeing, their families and their ability to fulfil their democratic mandate.
The Association remains committed to working with Government, An Garda Síochána and relevant stakeholders to strengthen the protections, security arrangements and welfare supports available to local elected representatives.
AILG reiterates that robust democratic debate and public accountability must always be protected, but threats, racism, homophobia and personal intimidation can never be tolerated or normalised as part of public life.
ENDS
For Media Enquiries please contact Elaine Lynch, Head of Operations at 087-3470274 or e.lynch@ailg.ie
Notes to Editor
The Association of Irish Local Government (AILG)
The Association of Irish Local Government (AILG) is the national representative body for Ireland’s 950 city and county councillors. AILG supports elected members through policy development, advocacy, education and training, while promoting strong and effective local democracy.