Tánaiste Simon Harris Furious As 'Despicable' Online Threat Made Against Wicklow TD & His Family

Gardaí are investigating threats made to Tanaiste Simon Harris and his family on social media at the weekend.

A Garda investigation has been launched into a threat made against the Tánaiste Simon Harris and his family.

The threat was made on social media. This investigation is being led by Gardaí from Wicklow and specialist units, including the National Cyber Crime Bureau and the Special Detective Unit.

Gardaí say they are treating the threat posted on social media as serious

Simon Harris has been the target of threats in the past on social media however concern has been expressed by the nature of this latest threat which includes his family.

Individuals in the past have protested outside his home. Senior Gardaí confirmed that an investigation is underway into the threat.

In a statement released in the early hours of this morning, Simon Harris said:

“This weekend, I received direct threats targeting my family.''

He added that ...

"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."

Gardaí confirmed it was aware of the post, adding an investigation had commenced.

“An Garda Síochána are currently investigating this matter.”

A spokesman for Mr Harris said his office did not comment on security matters relating to the Tanaiste.