Gardaí investigating threats against the Taoiseach make arrest

Simon Harris has said that he will 'never be deterred' and he does not believe it is acceptable that politicians have become 'a regular target'. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

Gardaí investigating a threat made against the Taoiseach have arrested a man aged in his 50s.

It comes as a bomb threat was made to the home of Simon Harris on June 26 while his wife and two young children were in the house.

The anonymous caller made the threat against the Taoiseach via a charity's crisis helpline.

Extensive searches were carried out in and around the Taoiseach's home but no devices were found and the incident was declared a sinister hoax.

A Garda spokesperson said on Friday: "Today, gardaí investigating threats against an elected representative in June 2024 have arrested a male in his 50s.

"The male is currently detained under section 4 Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda station in the Garda Eastern Region."

The arrest comes as gardaí confirmed on Tuesday that a separate investigation has been launched into threats against Mr Harris that were posted on Instagram in recent days.

Mr Harris has said that he will “never be deterred” and he does not believe it is acceptable that politicians have become “a regular target”.

He said it is on the brink of being “viewed as acceptable or a normal part of the job”.