Mayo TD hosts Margaret Loftus at Leinster House to seek domestic violence reforms
MAYO Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh and Senator Pauline Tully have hosted a presentation in Leinster House from domestic abuse survivor and campaigner Margaret Loftus, who is calling for urgent reform of the justice system following her 14-year fight for accountability and justice.
Balla native Margaret, a former member of An Garda Síochána, is the survivor of a vicious domestic violence assault in 2012 at the hands of her ex-husband, Garda Trevor Bolger. After enduring years of personal, professional and legal hardship, she broke her silence following the imposition of a three-month suspended sentence on her abuser last month.
Margaret was joined by Sarah Benson, CEO of Women’s Aid, who continues to advocate for stronger protections and supports for victims of domestic abuse.
Speaking after the presentation, Deputy Conway-Walsh said: “Margaret Loftus showed extraordinary bravery and courage in coming forward to tell her story. After 14 years of navigating coercive control, silence and systemic failure, she chose to stand up not just for herself, but for every woman who has been failed by the system.
“Her harrowing experience exposes serious flaws in how victims of domestic abuse are treated within our justice system when their abusers are serving members of An Garda Síochána, and we must now ensure meaningful reform follows.
“Margaret’s journey highlighted the devastating impact of domestic violence and the immense resilience it takes to seek justice in the country. No victim should have to endure a 14-year battle and 58 court dates in their pursuit of justice and accountability.”
Senator Tully added: “I admire Margaret’s strength and resilience in coming forward to tell her story. Her trauma was compounded by a system that was weaponised against her from within.
“Domestic violence victims need to have the confidence that when they are at their most vulnerable, the gardaí they trust to protect them are not perpetrators of domestic violence themselves.
“Today was about listening to Margaret, acknowledging where the system failed her and committing to change so that no other victim is retraumatised by the very system meant to protect them.”
Both Sinn Fein representatives concluded: “We stand with Margaret in her call for systemic reform, transparency and victim-centred justice.
“While it’s important to acknowledge the dedicated work of the vast majority of members in An Garda Síochána, it’s clear from Margaret’s testimony that there are blatant flaws and failures within the force when dealing with cases of domestic violence involving one of their own.
“Her visit to the Oireachtas was an important opportunity for legislators to hear directly from a survivor about the realities of coercive control, the barriers within the legal process and the urgent need for reform.
“Margaret’s courage in breaking her silence is extremely brave. It demands a response and meaningful action from government. Her fight for justice must now lead to lasting change. It cannot be for nothing - it has to count.”