SINN Féin's presidential candidate has claimed "there was a problem" of bullying within her party – due to its members being younger.
MEP Liadh Ní Riada said the issue was no different to other political parties but added that "the level of maturity" of members played a role.
She added that "a thick skin" was needed in politics.
Ms Ní Riada was asked by the TheJournal.ie The Candidate podcast about her party's treatment of Máiría Cahill and the issue of bullying.
Ms Cahill rejected an apology from Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald over how the party handled a claim she was raped by an alleged IRA member.
"What happened to Máiría Cahill was dreadful, I can't even imagine as a woman what she's gone through," Ms Ní Riada said.
On bullying she said: "There were issues. I'm sure every party has issues, and we're no different from any other party in that regard, but Mary Lou has put structures and processes in place to deal with that effectively.
"There was a problem. I think some of it had to do with, and this is no reflection on the people who said they were bullied, bullies shouldn't be tolerated on any level. But I think they were quite young, and I think it's because we attract a younger voter I suppose and we try and encourage young people to come on board because it's their future we're talking about, they need to be at that table.
"But it's also about recognising that you do need that certain level of maturity when you're in public life, you have to develop a bit of a thick skin."
