Trend of insulting rivals a worrying sign for society

Everyone has an opinion and not everyone’s can or should be the same.

Differing views are important to any democracy. They hold power to account and start conversations that can lead to huge cultural shifts.

However, the art of reasoned discussion has been eroded by rampant tribalism, verbal venom and outright ignorance.

For example, take the case of MP Lisa Cameron who voted against legislative changes to Northern Ireland’s policy on abortion.

She did this on the basis of religious beliefs and the fact she had two miscarriages.

Many will not support her views, seeing Northern Ireland’s stance on abortion as draconian.

However, her view is her view and she is entitled to express it without being subjected to a barrage of obscenities and pictures of dead babies.

Politics, in particular, is now beset by a culture of he or she who shouts loudest wins, no matter what spews forth.

The style, if we must call it that, was pioneered by Trump. Ignore debate, simply shout down your opponents, invent your own history and, if you keep doing it often enough and long enough you will see it through to the bitter end. Victory at all costs.

British politics is no different. Boris Johnson tried the same trick on interviewer Andrew Neil on Friday night.

Unfortunately for Boris, he met his match and displayed precisely why he went to ground in the opening salvos of the Conservative leadership contest.

We all know that what is currently being played out on our TVS has a habit of filtering down into our living rooms and into schools.

And that is the worry...as we are already seeing some sections of the wider public aping the boorish nature of those who were supposed to be setting an example.