Clare Senator Claims Ending Open Access To Politicians Would Be "Retrogade Step"

Clare FM

A Clare senator claims it would be a "retrograde step" for Ireland if open access to politicians was diminished in any way. It comes as the Garda Commissioner has raised the threat level posed by violent political extremists from moderate to substantial. Responding to the move, the Department of Justice has issued a statement saying "Ireland, like any other democratic state is not immune from the threat of terrorism or violent political extremism". Ennistymon Fine Gael Senator Martin Conway has previously been vocal about his experiences of harassment as a politician but he says the vast majority of the public articulate their views in a peaceful manner.