7 days ago
Aontú councillor says he's ‘not intimidated' following third attack on home
'This is the third time someone has violated my home. First my jeep was covered in eggs, then someone defecated on my property, and now this'
An Aontú councillor has said he is not intimidated following a third attack on his home in Meath.
Trim councillor David Boyne took to social media to condemn a 'fresh act of vandalism' against his home after the front window of his property was smashed in the early hours of Sunday morning.
'This is the third time someone has violated my home. First my jeep was covered in eggs, then someone defecated on my property, and now this,' he said.
'I believe this could be the work of extreme left-wing groups who have targeted me before.'
'I have heard of other councillors being hassled. I've been accused of being a fascist and a racist, and I am sometimes publicly accosted by ill-informed people, but this is a new low. This is a criminal act.'
Cllr Dave Boyne pictured beside the shattered remains of his front window. Photo: Cllr Dave Boyne/Facebook.
Expressing concern for his family, Cllr Boyne said: 'I feel sorry for my wife and five kids, having to face the trauma of these petty, feeble-minded attacks. But I am not intimidated. Whoever they are, they're too cowardly to meet me face-to-face. I take it all as a compliment — obviously Aontú is doing something right.'
Aontú has called on authorities to take political intimidation seriously and ensure that 'all public representatives can carry out their duties free from harassment or violence.'
Meanwhile Cllr Boyne said he acknowledges public frustration with the state of politics but insisted 'that anger is being misdirected'.
'I know people are frustrated — I am too. But it's Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael they should be taking their anger out on. They're the ones in power. Aontú is the opposition, working to right the wrongs FF/FG are inflicting on the Irish people. We are the only party holding them to account. People have to fight back — and we have a weapon: votes,' Cllr Boyne added.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
