Taoiseach warns ‘full measure of the law’ will be used to punish far right who target politicians’ homes

Taoiseach Simon Harris will pledge to use the “full measure of the law” to punish far-right thugs who target the homes of politicians

In an address tomorrow commemorating the 50th anniversary of the murder of Fine Gael Senator Billy Fox by the Provisional IRA, Mr Harris will warn politics has been become “more dangerous” for politicians in recent years.

The Taoiseach’s comments follow news that Justice Minister Helen McEntee’s husband and children were force to evacuate their home after gardaí were alerted to a bomb threat.

Mr Harris, whose home has been targeted by protesters, will say “too often” public figures on all side of the political spectrum are being “abuse and attacked”

“Too often have we seen our country’s elected representatives afraid of what might happen to them or their families,” he says.

“We know how this story ends. We have had too many warnings, and we need to take them seriously before the unthinkable happens,” he adds.

Mr Harris says the cornerstone of democracy is the ability to be able to have peaceful debate with people even if you don’t agree with their views.

The Taoiseach says politicians are the “servants of the people” and an “attack on one it is an attack on every citizen”.

“The abuse we are seeing is an affront to our values and an attack on our democracy. It is designed to silence different points of view, stifle debate and strangle dialogue. It cannot be allowed take hold and it cannot be allowed succeed,” he says.

“These attacks also intimidate future leaders from entering politics and advocating for change. We all suffer as a result. We will use the full measure of the law to protect our democracy by protecting our elected representatives,” he adds.

Mr Harris comments follow widespread condemnation of far right protests outside the home of Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman.

The Taoiseach also said an attack on a member of An Garda Síochána is an “attack on democracy”.

“Perpetrators of violence against members of An Garda Síochána or any of our emergency services must face the full rigours of the law,” he says.

“As Taoiseach, I will stand firmly behind the men and women who put their lives in danger to protect each and every one of us.

“I will never tolerate an attack on you. Just because you have chosen to dedicate yourselves to the safety of others, nobody has the right to assault you, threaten you, or ram your vehicle,” he adds.

In his tribute to Mr Fox, the Taoiseach describe him as a “peace maker” callously gunned down by the Provisional IRA who at first denied responsibility for the murder and then spread lies about the politician. The IRA murderers were eventually brought to justice.

“Senator Billy Fox deserves to take his place among the men and women we honour for serving our country with distinction, without caring about the personal cost,” the Taoiseach said.

Mr Fox’s legacy is to be honoured with a portrait set to be unveiled last this year in Leinster House which is being organised by Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, Jerry Buttimer and his Fine Gael colleague Senator John McGahon.

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