Minister highlights election 'deterrent'
Social media criticism is preventing potential candidates from contesting September’s general election, says a senior government minister
Ayre MHK Eddie Teare believes personal comments on various platforms are deterring a number of people from standing.
The Treasury Minister, who isn't standing for re-election, says when he first entered politics, criticism was more levelled at policies.
With social media making it easy to comment whilst hiding behind a pseudonym, Mr Teare says views now tend to be more personal with many not having enough courage in their convictions to use a real name.

Murder accused had intellectual age of 'nine-year-old'
MHKs explain their 'no vote' decision in chief minister election
Farmers union declares no faith in DEFA leadership
Major incident declared as crews battled fire