Verona Murphy has accused fellow politicians of spreading 'malicious' and 'untrue' rumors about her to tarnish her reputation.

The Wexford TD stated that these 'untrue' rumors have started to affect her family, especially her daughter.

Ms.

Murphy, an Independent TD for Wexford who serves on the Dáil’s Public Accounts Committee, mentioned that the circulation of these rumors is something that has begun to impact her family, particularly her daughter.

'I just want to say that there is a very malicious, untrue rumor being spread all over the county by other politicians,' Ms.

Murphy said.

She added that it is something she has tried very hard to ignore but cannot because she is a public representative and in the public sphere.

The 53-year-old, who was first elected as a TD in 2020 and intends to run in the next general election, said the rumors were being circulated by 'elected representatives who feel that they can try and take my good name and credibility.

'Ms.

Murphy referenced the US Democratic party’s potential presidential nominee and current vice-president, Kamala Harris, saying she can understand what it is like to be in her position.

'I think it is very unfair that I would be attacked and my credibility would be attacked by my fellow politicians in a way that is malicious and politically motivated, to damage me,' she said.

'For my family, for my staff, and for my representatives, I have tried to rise above it,' she added.

Since the Dáil recess, Ms.

Murphy has met and interviewed young women who are moving forward and representing their county and country.

She noted that the level of jealousy described by these women within their different sports and sectors is very worrying.

'When people do good and when people build a name and profile for themselves and they are representing people in a way that they have been elected to do so, or succeeded to do so by winning competitions, it is a very sad day when the only way that that can be combatted is to spread malicious lies and rumors.

''I know that the people know me and I will be putting my faith in the people and I’m hoping that they will do the same for me on election day,' she concluded.