Local authority leaders in Northern Ireland have raised concerns about the abuse and intimidation of candidates in this year’s local council election campaign.

Voters in Northern Ireland will be going to the polls tomorrow to elect 462 councillors across 11 local authorities.

A survey by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) found that over three-quarters of local councillors in Northern Ireland (76%) have experienced abuse in their role, while a further 52% have said they have been intimidated by members of the public and ‘trolls’ on social media.

Two-thirds of respondents (66%) said that they had been abused or intimidated on social media while 53% said it had occurred in person.

Reported incidents ranged from damage to personal property, the erection of threatening posters, abusive graffiti, and death threats.

Alison Allen, chief executive, NILGA said: ‘Some of the reports and incidences of abuse and intimidation in this election campaign we’ve seen so far have been deeply concerning. Any incident of abuse, intimidation, or even violence is wrong, illegal, and must be condemned by all.

‘We’ve seen during this campaign the theft and destruction of candidate posters, intimidation of party candidates and activists and being told that certain areas are ‘no-go’ areas, and even violence being committed against some candidates.  

‘This is worrying and deeply undemocratic. Parties and candidates have the right to canvass in their constituencies and seek to engage with local voters. As we move into the new mandate, it is sadly clear that abuse of our elected representatives is being normalised.’

She added: ‘Tougher legislation and punishments are required to discourage online trolls and abusers, who feel emboldened by anonymity and being behind a screen, from harassing elected councillors.'

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