Garda investigation into 'direct threat' to Tánaiste's children

Tánaiste Simon Harris has previously been at the receiving end of threats, including on social media and a bomb threat, as well as protests outside his home by far-right anti-immigrant agitators. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

A criminal investigation is underway after what Tánaiste Simon Harris said was a “direct threat” against his children on social media.

The Fine Gael leader, who lives in Co Wicklow, said the threats were “despicable” and could not be tolerated.

The garda investigation is being led by detectives in Wicklow, but they are receiving the assistance of the Special Detective Unit (SDU) and the Garda National Crime Cyber Bureau.

The SDU is the operational arm of the Garda Security and Intelligence Service and has been involved in assisting or leading previous investigations into violent threats against Government minister and senior politicians.

The Tánaiste has previously been at the receiving end of threats, including on social media and a bomb threat, as well as protests outside his home by far-right anti-immigrant agitators.

In a statement, Mr Harris said: "This weekend, I received direct threats targeting my family.

As a father, I have very strong views and feelings on this as you can imagine. As a political leader, I find it unacceptable in every way.

"Let me be clear: threatening people — any person — is a crime. Threatening children is despicable. It is cowardice and it is a line that no decent society should tolerate being crossed."

The Tánaiste said he would not be commenting further as the garda investigation is ongoing.

A short statement from Garda HQ said: “An Garda Síochána is currently investigating this matter.” 

It is not clear yet if the person behind the threat had the capability to carry out the violence being threatened.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that not only were the threats unacceptable but represented a threat to the democratic State.

I condemn unreservedly the abhorrent threats made to Tánaiste Simon Harris and his family. Such threats to people in public life are unacceptable.

"They are a fundamental threat to our democracy."

Last March, a man who made threats on social media to kill Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and Garda Commissioner Drew Harris was sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison, with 15 months suspended.

Richard McGreevy, 29, of Whitechurch Place, Rathfarnham in Dublin, pleaded guilty to two counts of making a threat to kill or cause harm.

In March 2024, a convicted rapist, Michael Murray, 54, formerly of Seafield Road, Killiney, Dublin, who made a hoax bomb threat to then Justice Minister Helen McEntee’s house in March 2021, was given a two-year sentence.