Laws needed to 'empower' gardaí in incidents of domestic violence claims Kilkenny election candidate

First-time candidate vying for a seat in the Carlow-Kilkenny constituency, Patricia Stephenson (Social Democrats) has claimed gardaí need laws to support them when investigating cases of domestic violence.

In a discussion moderated by local broadcaster Sue Nunn at the River Court last week, candidates Adrienne Wallace (People Before Profit), David FitzGerald (Fine Gael), Patricia Stephenson (Social Democrats), Malcom Noonan (Green Party), Sean Ó hArgain (Labour), John McGuinness (Fianna Fáil) and Waterford’s David Cullinane (Sinn Féin) made their positions known on a number of issues ahead of polling day on Friday, November 29.

Speaking at the event, both male and female candidates present were in unanimous agreement on the need for additional laws to protect women experiencing domestic abuse.

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Patricia Stephenson of the Social Democrats commented that laws need to ‘empower’ gardaí in such situations with the ‘survivor approach’ required rather that protecting the perpetrator.

Fine Gael’s David FitzGerald stated it should be the ‘victim’s choice’ whether they stay in the family home or not, while Sinn Féin’s David Cullinane, who unlike the other candidates will compete for a Dáil seat in the Waterford constituency rather than Carlow/Kilkenny, commented, “culture is massively important,” adding, “men should have to leave (in those circumstances).”

Also at the meeting, each candidate was given an opportunity to outline how they can relate to the public. Further supports for people with disabilities, a reform of Citizens Assemblies and the need for a mental health budget.