Councillor in Kildare reveals he is 'setting some boundaries' on social media
The representative is based in the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District
A Kildare county councillor has revealed that he is 'setting some boundaries' when it comes to interacting with people on social media.
Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender, who represents the Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District, made the announcement on his both his Instagram and Facebook pages.
When asked by the Leinster Leader if there was any particular comment or incident that prompted the post, he replied: “No, nothing.”
He also clarified that he meant the post it as a general precautionary statement.
Cllr Pender’s comments come as local councillors across Ireland face an increase in harassment and abuse in recent years, with one 2024 survey by the Association of Irish Local Government finding that more than 63 per cent of councillors reported experiencing threats, intimidation, or harassment between April 2021 and September 2023.
Female councillors in particular are prone to being harassed and intimidated because of their work —this point was previously raised by a separate Kildare-based councillor, Fianna Fáil Cllr Veralouise Behan of the Athy Municipal District, who made headlines back in June when she openly criticised ‘attempted intimidation’ towards her.
At the time, she claimed that her gender identity as a woman was a large reason why she was being targeted.
‘YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIKE ME’
Opening up his post, Cllr Pender said: “You have every right to disagree with my politics, question my votes, criticise my work or tell me when I've got something wrong.
“You don't have to like me or vote for me to engage here, but I am setting some boundaries.”
He went on to outline the types of comments he welcomes:
- Genuine questions and local concerns
- Strong criticism of my decisions and performance
- Political disagreement and respectful debate
- People holding me accountable
Cllr Pender also specified which comments he ‘won’t keep engaging with’:
- Personal insults and deliberate provocation
- Repeated arguments after I've answered a question
- Spamming, persistent tagging or attempts to dominate discussions
- Demands for immediate replies at all hours
“I may stop replying, remove comments, give warnings or restrict accounts where necessary,” he added.
‘IMMEDIATE BLOCK’
Moreover, Cllr Pender pointed out the types of comments which will result in an ‘immediate block’ from him:
- Threats, intimidation or serious harassment
- Racist, homophobic, transphobic, misogynistic, ableist or other discriminatory abuse
- Threats or harassment directed at my family
- Sharing private personal information
- Sexual harassment or serious targeted abuse of others
“These rules apply to everyone, including people who support me politically,” he emphasised.
‘I CAN’T BE AVAILABLE 24 / 7’
Cllr Pender further said: “I manage this page alongside council work, community commitments and family life; I can't be available 24/7 or answer every message.
“I also won't discuss confidential constituent cases publicly, even to defend myself against accusations.
“Please contact me privately if you need help with a personal issue.”
He continued: “Choosing not to continue an argument doesn't mean avoiding accountability.
“I'll keep answering difficult questions, acknowledging mistakes and engaging with people who disagree with me.
“You can challenge me without abusing me or others.”
He concluded: “That's the standard I'm asking for.”
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.