In January 2020, following the restoration of the devolved institutions, Ulster Unionist MLA Robin Swann took on the health portfolio, widely regarded as the most challenging ministry in the Stormont Executive.
At that time, he knew he was facing a lengthy list of problems, including long overdue reform of an overstretched health system and shocking waiting times for treatment.
What he did not realise was that within weeks, he would be leading our already creaking health service through a pandemic of monumental proportions, making swift decisions, introducing major changes and responding to a fast-developing and completely uncertain situation.
While every health system in the world has had to find its way through these unprecedented circumstances, and it is inevitable that mistakes have been made along the way, Mr Swann has won praise for his calm and steady focus on the public health message during this crisis.
No one doubts his commitment to the task in hand, nor would anyone envy the heavy burden he carries in his role.
But his job has been made immeasurably harder by those who believe they are entitled to threaten and abuse an elected representative with whom they disagree.
Mr Swann this week spoke openly about the dreadful toll on his family as a result of the multiple death threats he has received over his handling of the pandemic.
He said it was especially difficult to tell his two young children why they had to have extra security at their home.
"I shouldn't have to do that in any society, just because I'm the health minister that we have to explain that to my two children, why those additional security measures are in place," he said.
Unfortunately, Mr Swann is not the only politician to experience the sort of vile and despicable abuse that emanates from those who hide behind anonymity on social media.
Police are investigating online abuse mocking the late son of former DUP minister Diane Dodds and we know that other representatives, particularly female politicians, have been targeted in the most appalling way.
Social media platforms need to take their responsibilities seriously in ensuring that the abusers are not facilitated while the legal authorities must also pursue those who are engaging in criminal behaviour online, or anywhere else.
