City and county councillors increasingly fear for their safety because of abuse from the public, according to research from Maynooth University.
The study found abuse sustained by councillors deters recruitment and contributes to premature retirement.
The research surveyed 500 councillors from across the country, and is the most extensive study of Irish local authority members to date.
Independent Donegal County Councillor Nicholas Crossan highlighted the particular impact on female councillors:
