Grainne Seoige has revealed that she has received a lot of nasty comments and abuse online since her move into politics.
The former broadcaster revealed her bid for election earlier this year, with her campaigning in the constituency of Galway West for the Fiánna Fáil party.
The former TV presenter, who has appeared on screens hosting shows such as Ireland AM and Gra ar an Tra, has admitted that her move into politics hasn't been plain sailing.
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"[There’s been] a lot of sexism, a lot of misogyny, a lot of really ill-informed people who have no idea what I’ve done with my life up till now," she said.
Speaking on Alan Clarke’s Big News Coming Soon Podcast, Grainne also said that she was called a "paid teleprompter reader".
However, she hasn't let it get her down as she is looking ahead to the next government, with an election set to take place in November.
"I think there’s room for all types and I think the beauty of what’s going to happen in the next Dail is there’s going to be over 30 brand new TDs who are going to be bringing different life experiences to the table. I think that’s good," she said.
"Things need to be freshened up. New world views need to be coming in. Maybe people have lived away like myself and you come back with a different perspective. I think that’s positive, but you’re right. A lot of people have said to me, 'why would you be bothered?' Because I want Galway to prosper. I want Galway to succeed. I want Galway to realise its potential. It’s an amazing place to live."
Luckily, she is being backed by her family regardless of the nasty comments she gets on the internet.
"They were right behind me from the get-go," Gráinne said. "But you’re right… particularly online now, it’s so much easier for people to be nasty."
It comes as Virgin Media Television has pulled the new season of Grá ar an Trá from its schedule. The show, co-fronted by Grainne, was due to return to screens last week for six weeks. However, the reality dating show can't air now that Gráinne is contesting the next general election for the Fiánna Fáil party.
The show can't air because the station "comply with Media Codes and Rules" ahead of the vote.
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