Woman arrested over serious online threats toward Simon Harris and his family

Kenneth Fox

A woman in her 30s been arrested over serious threats made online against the Tánaiste's family.

Gardaí launched an investigation after a poster on social media threatened to kidnap Simon Harris' children.

As part of that investigation, a woman in her 30s was detained in west Dublin and brought to a Garda station in the capital.

The Tánaiste responded to the threat saying it crossed a line that should not be tolerated in decent society.

In a statement, the Tánaiste said: “This weekend, I received direct threats targeting my family.

“As a father, I have very strong views and feelings on this as you can imagine.

Mr Harris said:, “Threatening children is despicable. It is cowardice and it is a line that no decent society should tolerate being crossed.

“I will not be commenting further at this time on any ongoing Garda investigation.”

Fine Gael leader Mr Harris 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.

Asked about the latest threat, a Garda spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána is currently investigating this matter.”