Online jibes 'putting off' Keys candidates

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.