Canvassers: our secret weapon against online & financial distortion

I was asked on the This Week programme yesterday to talk through the digital campaign. We only had 6 minutes (you can listen back here - including about Fine Gael's new ad push), but I wanted to make sure I squeezed in an acknowledgment of the work that offline canvassers do; giving up their evenings and weekends for things they believe in. I also called for civility and respectful discussion on the doors.

Then just a couple of hours later it emerged that Minister Roderick O'Gorman had been physically assaulted while out canvassing.

O'Gorman has been subjected to years of homophobic harassment and slander online, by the usual suspects, with the usual themes. This spilling of online abuse to offline assault is something that we saw in the Local & European elections, and many fear it will be a factor in this election.

This is why failures to deal with online harassment of politicians is doubly corrosive to democracy. The online abuse can cause candidates and activists to step away from debate.

The offline violence it encourages / provokes / gives an excuse for makes it harder to get out on the doors and do the crucial work that makes our democracy work - that keeps our elected reps grounded in the needs of people, and that mitigates the corrosive and distorting impact of money and tech on elections.

There is strength in numbers, and the vast majority of people, the vast majority of the time, have a positive and engaging - often really affirming - experience on the doors.

If you aren't already doing so, consider getting out yourself.

WomenforElection have great resources to get involved supporting candidates.

A screenshot of WomenForElection's resources for getting involved: link: https://www.womenforelection.ie/offering-help/

Or find a candidate or party you respect, and drop them a DM or text, or call or email the office - they will be delighted to welcome you out, and most are out at the moment morning, noon and night so you can find something to suit you.

They will pair you up with someone else who can show you the ropes. You will meet some of the best people, including many of your neighbours.

Democracy is fragile - the shitshow happening in the US has made that clear - but it is also one of the best assets that we have for a meaningful, fulfilling life.