TD’s tyres slashed during an anti-racism speech
GARDAÍ have launched an investigation after the tyres of Minister of State Mary Butler’s private car were slashed and punctured.
The incident happened in the Barker Street area of Waterford city yesterday morning as Ms Butler gave a speech as part of an International Women’s Day anti-racism conference.
It is understood the car’s tyres were slashed by either a knife or a screwdriver.
Gardaí said this is the latest incident in an ongoing campaign of harassment and intimidation against the Fianna Fáil junior minister.
Ms Butler has been the target of serious threats and harassment for several years, many of them coming from far-right agitators.
A source told the Irish Daily Mail: ‘Hers was the only vehicle targeted in this attack. CCTV from the area is going to be harvested now and gardaí will be looking out for certain individuals who have been known to target Ms Butler. She has had death threats against her which has resulted in her needing additional Garda protection. She’s also been subjected to vile commentary, including graphic threats as well.’
The junior minister was subjected to credible death threats in 2023, and her family worried for her after ugly protests – including mock gallows and effigies of politicians – outside the Dáil in September.
Last year, she received an email in which the sender said they would kill her if they ever met her, and were prepared to go to jail for it.
A Garda spokesman confirmed an investigation has started.
He said: ‘Gardaí received a report of a suspected criminal damage incident that occurred earlier [yesterday] (Friday March 8, 2024) in the Barker Street area of Waterford city. A car was damaged during the course of the incident.
‘Anyone with any information that can assist gardaí with this investigation are asked to contact Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.’