Action needs to be taken against upsetting images

SIR, Throughout the referendum campaign we were subjected to horrific graphic imagery on an ongoing basis. These images, prominently displayed in public places, including outside schools and hospitals, traumatised many people, including my own child. And the ICBR, who are responsible for these despicable ‘protests’, have made it clear that they have no intention of stopping.

Section 7 of the Public Order Act states that: “It shall be an offence for any person in a public place to distribute or display any writing, sign or visible representation which is threatening, abusive, insulting or obscene with intent to provoke a breach of the peace or being reckless as to whether a breach of the peace may be occasioned.”

It seems to me that by their provocative attitude and deliberate targeting of vulnerable parts of the population through placements outside schools and maternity hospitals the ICBR could have questions to answer under this act. However, little or no action is currently taken to remove the posters or tackle the ICBR.

At the moment it falls to members of the public to protect each other against the traumatising images. This is clearly unsustainable and surely not how our laws should be enacted.

I would like to see the DPP examine whether Section 7 might apply in relation to ICBR postering, in the interest of protecting the Irish people. Sincerely, Margaret McCarthy, Abbey View, Kinsale.