A Kerry County Councillor says he has considered leaving politics following anonymous death threats and intimidation.
Cllr Sam Locke made the comments as a new survey reveals almost half of all local government councillors in Ireland consider leaving the job because of threats and harassment.
The survey by the Association of Irish Local Government in partnership with the Crime Management Group found that more than seven in 10 councillors have been threatened, harassed, and intimidated during the past three years.
Kerry County Councillor Sam Locke says has received many abusive and threatening anonymous letters and phone calls in the last few months alone.
Cllr Locke said many relate to his work supporting recognition for the Royal Munster Fusiliers who served in the British Army in World War 1 and for his support for trees to be cut down on the Dan Spring Road because they were deemed unsafe.
The independent councillor said he has no issue with people disagreeing with him, but the anonymous harassment and death threats are affecting his mental health.
He said he has seriously considered leaving politics.
Meanwhile Sinn Féin councillor Deirdre Ferris described anonymous social media comments about councillors as unfair and cowardly.
