Simon Harris condemns second ‘vile and horrific’ threat against his family in a week

Tánaiste Simon Harris said his family has been subjected to a series of 'vile and horrific' threats, including direct threats made against his children

Tanaiste Simon Harris speaks to the media ahead of the Government Trade Forum at Government Buildings in Dublin. Picture date: Friday April 4, 2025.

Tánaiste Simon Harris has condemned as “vile and horrific” a second threat made against his family in the space of a week.

The Fine Gael leader said the latest incident, which targeted a close family member on Friday night, formed part of a “clear and sinister pattern” aimed at intimidating him out of public office.

Earlier this week, gardaí arrested and later released a woman in connection with threats made to Mr Harris's family on Instagram.

The Tániaste has received threats before – including through social media and a phoned bomb threat.

Protests have also been held outside his home, where his wife and children live.

Gardaí have confirmed they are investigating the threat, which is believed to have been made via direct contact on a Meta platform.

In a personal statement issued to the Irish Examiner, Mr Harris said what he and his family have endured in recent weeks could not be dismissed as part of political life.

“Sixteen years ago, I was first elected to public office. Serving my community and my country has been the greatest honour of my life. I have devoted myself to public service,” he said.

“I have faced the rough and tumble of politics. I believe in robust debate, scrutiny, and challenge. It is a cornerstone of our democracy.

“But what I and my family have faced in recent weeks is not political debate. It is abuse. It is intimidation. It is behaviour that should never, ever be treated as normal. And no one is to blame except those choosing to abuse and make threats.”

The Tánaiste said the threats have caused “deeply distressing consequences” for his family, outlining that direct threats were made against his children last week, while on Friday night a “very close family member” was also targeted.

“There is a clear and sinister pattern and a very apparent motivation; to intimidate me out of public office,” he said.

Mr Harris added that he would be consulting with Fine Gael, Government and wider political colleagues on how to respond to online threats and intimidation.

“Someone has to call a halt. Protecting my family will remain my number one priority. I will be guided by them on the next steps,” he said.

Earlier in the week, Mr Harris said he is no longer willing to ignore threats against his family following several recent incidents.

He also raised concerns about the term “online threat,” arguing that it makes no difference whether threats occur online or in person — both must be taken seriously.

He said: “You cannot threaten to hurt or harm or kill or kidnap or abduct or grab anybody. Simple.

“I do genuinely believe, and there's no easy answers to any of this, but I do genuinely believe the toxicity in public discourse and online is completely it's gone completely off the Richter scale.”

 - additional reporting from PA