A Garda investigation has been launched after a threat was issued against a member of Tánaiste Simon Harris’s family on social media.
The Instagram post that sparked the investigation threatened sexual violence. Gardaí contacted Meta, which owns the platform, to have it removed.
The Tánaiste issued a personal statement in which he decried the “abuse” he has received and pledged to consider what action can be taken to tackle the issue in general.
It comes after a woman in her 30s was arrested and released without charge earlier this week over a threat to kidnap Mr Harris’s children.
[ Politicians under attack: ‘In the space of an hour five people called me a c**t’Opens in new window ]
The woman, from Ronanstown in Dublin, was released on Wednesday, with a file being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
On Saturday, Mr Harris issued a personal statement addressing the threats.
“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,” it 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 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.
[ Gardaí monitoring Minister’s phone after ‘army’ of abusive late-night callersOpens in new window ]
“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. I will be guided by them on the next steps.”
The Fine Gael leader has also received previous threats, including through social media and a phoned bomb threat made via a Samaritans helpline.