Seanad told three gay men were ‘hunted’ in Phoenix Park

Three gay men were “hunted” in Phoenix Park last night by a group of men with knives, the Seanad has been told.

Fine Gael Senator Barry Ward said that one of the victims had contacted him about the alleged incident.

Speaking in the chamber, Senator Ward said the three men were chased by “six men with knives”.

He said when the victims contacted gardaí “they were told there was no CCTV and they could not identify the crowd”.

The senator said “that is not good enough” and called for garda patrols in the park.

Discussing Pride month, Senator Ward said: “We have come so far as a country in acknowledging the special nature of people who have pride in their sexuality and are showing that to us.”

“It feels like we have come so far and yet we also know there are people in this country who do not acknowledge or accept it,” he added.

When contacted, the Garda Press Office said that it is making enquiries into the alleged incident.