Letter about Repeal Shield to Irish Times!

Sir, – As the administrators of the Repeal Shield twitter account, we would appreciate the opportunity to clarify some points made by Phelim McAleer.

Repeal Shield is a twitter account which uses the freely available “Block Together” tool to block accounts that we feel have been abusive, have spread misinformation about repeal or abortion, or have engaged in consistent trolling of pro-choice accounts.

Our 3,000 users have signed up voluntarily and we have blocked in excess of 8,000 accounts on their behalf.

Contrary to Phelim McAleer’s assertion, none of these accounts have been blocked because of their anti-repeal views. They have been blocked because of the manner of their engagement.

It is also important to note that Repeal Shield users can unsubscribe at any time.

However, our feedback is that the overwhelming majority find their twitter experience greatly enhanced by using the tool.

Finally, Repeal Shield is not affiliated to, or materially supported by, any of the organisations set up to campaign for repeal.

We are an entirely voluntary group set up in order to counter lies and abuse from those who oppose repeal and do not engage in respectful, civilised debate. – Yours, etc,

BRIAN LEONARD,

Flaxweiler,

Luxembourg;

HAZEL O’KEEFE,

Frankfurt,

Germany;

NIAMH NOLAN,

Limerick;

AIDAN O’BRIEN,

Drimnagh,

Dublin 12.