Abuse of politicians must be taken seriously before 'unthinkable happens' — Taoiseach

In a speech at an event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Senator Billy Fox, who was shot dead by the IRA, Harris will say politicians’ homes are being targeted by “angry mobs”

Politicians are fearful of what will happen to themselves and their families amidst ongoing abuse and threats, and the issue must be taken seriously before “the unthinkable happens,” the Taoiseach will say today.

In a speech at an event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Senator Billy Fox, who was shot dead by the IRA, Simon Harris will say politicians’ homes are being targeted by “angry mobs” and there have already been too many warnings on threats to their safety.

The abuse we are seeing is designed to stifle debate and silence different points of views, he will say.

It comes after a bomb scare at Justice Minister Helen McEntee's home earlier this week as well as protests outside the home of Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman.

A major investigation is under way after the threats were made on Wednesday night forcing Ms McEntee’s young family to have to be evacuated from their home in Co Meath. The minister was not at home at the time and he threat was reportedly made from a location in Cork.

Furthermore, members of the garda public order unit were ordered to the scene at Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow on Thursday amid violent scenes that gardaí believe was driven by far-right agitators not from the area.

In his speech in Monaghan, the Taoiseach will say he will do more to ensure gardaí are protecting doing their work and state he will never tolerate an attack on members of An Garda Síochána, while highlighting that public figures on all sides of the political spectrum are being abused.

He is expected to say that he respects different views, the principles of peaceful debate and a shared dialogue as the cornerstones of our democracy. He will also say the full power of the law will be used on those who threaten and intimidate.