Gardaí launch investigation after ‘chilling’ threats made against Simon Harris and his family

Gardaí are investigating a bomb threat at Simon Harris' home

Gardaí revealed that multiple calls were made to An Garda Síochána claiming that there was a bomb at the Tánaiste's home on Sunday.

An investigation is now underway, according to The Irish Times.

Harris issued a statement following the incident.

The incident is one of many chilling threats made against Harris and his family in recent weeks.

"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've devoted myself to public service."

"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."

Harris stressed that this behaviour should never be treated as normal.

"No one is to blame except those choosing to abuse and make threats. The threats made against my family are having deeply distressing consequences."

"Last week, direct threats were made against my children. And now, this weekend, late last night, vile and horrific threats were directed at a very close family member.

"There is a clear and sinister pattern and a very apparent motivation: to intimidate me out of public office. As I said in recent days, I know we are meant to keep silent. I know for some it seems like a new reality that those in public life must accept. But I cannot.

"It is me today, but it will be someone else tomorrow. Over the coming days and weeks, I will consult my Fine Gael, Government and broader political colleagues about these threats and intimidation online and what action we can and should take.

"Someone has to call a halt. Protecting my family will remain my number one priority," Harris stressed.