A Leitrim councillor is calling for a citizens’ assembly to investigate the impact social media abuse has on vulnerable young people.
Fine Gael’s Enda McGloin wants the Minister for Communications to act on the issue.
Last week Councillor McGloin hit out at the abuse Heather Humphreys got when she was running for president.
He says she got vile, sectarian abuse on social media.
He says it will put people off getting into politics.
He has tabled a motion on the issue for discussion at Monday’s Leitrim County Council meeting.
He wants Communications Minister Patrick O’Donovan to consider a review of the role of social media in Ireland.
He says there’s a lack of regulation and derogatory comments around religion, racism, politics and sport.
Councillor McGloin says a citizens’ assembly on the impact that social media-generated hatred has on vulnerable young people should be considered.
He says it should also investigate why many commentators can remain anonymous despite making vile and cruel online comments.
