Senator Flynn to go to An Garda Síochana after ‘messages of hate in my inbox’

Senator Eileen Flynn told the Seanad that she will “go to An Garda Síochana” with “about 15 messages of hate in my inbox” following online controversy after her comments on the fuel protests.

The Senator, who lives in Ardara and is the first woman from the Traveller community to sit in the Upper House, had said she was “terrified” to attend any protest where the Irish “tri-flag” was present.

Whilst speaking on the fuel protests, Senator Flynn said: “I didn’t attend any of those protests, and the reason why I didn’t? It was overtook by the far right. It was overtook by the far right.”

Donegal County Councillor, Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuíg, publicly defended Senator Flynn. Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuíg said “the unrelenting attacks on Senator Eileen Flynn” were a “disgrace to the Irish nation.”

Speaking at the Seanad, Senator Flynn said: “When I first came into the Seanad in July 2020, I remember the Cathaoirleach presented to me with a lovely Irish flag. It is identical to the one behind him. Of course, I am proud to be Irish. 

“First and foremost, my identity is Irish Traveller. In this House, two days ago, I spoke about the shame I felt about how our flag has been used to create hatred and division and to terrify people, with old folks afraid to live in their homes due to the far right. 

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“I am speaking out against the far right because it is not attacking me for the comment that I made on Tuesday, saying that the vote of no confidence was a waste of everybody's time, that it was not going to happen, and the Government had the majority. 

“It is attacking me online because I am a woman and a member of the Traveller community, end of story. I have to go to An Garda Síochána today with about 15 messages of hate in my inbox - being called a knacker, being attacked because of my image and being attacked because of my using this platform to bring people together. I stand underneath the Irish flag of freedom, peace, diversity and equality.”

Senator Flynn then addressed comments made at the Upper House by Senator Sharon Keogan, who said that “too often, people are branded far-right not to describe them but to silence them” and that the Irish flag “belongs to every Irish man and woman of every creed and colour and every opinion, whether we like it or not.”

“I will not stand underneath the flag Senator Keogan is talking about,” said Senator Flynn. “The flag that stands for hatred, discrimination and division in this country. That is not the Ireland I stand in so I am sending a clear message today. 

“While today it is me who is being attacked, it could be someone else tomorrow as a public representative. I am attacked because of my identity. I am attacked because I am a Traveller woman. I stand with migrants and LGBTQI+ people. I stand for justice and equality. I do not and will not stand for injustice, hatred, discrimination and pure hate in this country. I do not and will not stand for that.”