Taoiseach criticises protests outside politicians' homes as 'thuggery'

Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

Taoiseach Simon Harris has criticised protests outside people’s homes as “downright thuggery” at an event commemorating a murdered politician.

Mr Harris said that “too often” politicians have been targeted at their homes by “angry mobs”, have been “attacked and abused”, and have been in fear of what might happen to their families.

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

Mr Harris was speaking at an event in Co Monaghan to mark 50 years since the death of former Fine Gael TD and senator Billy Fox.

The 35-year-old senator was shot dead by members of the Provisional IRA in March 1974.

On Sunday, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Billy Fox Memorial Park in Derrygoony in his memory.

During a speech at the ceremony, Mr Harris highlighted a Dáil debate in December 1971 where Mr Fox produced a plastic bullet and a tear gas cannister as evidence about what was being fired across the Border.

He said a portrait in his memory would be unveiled later this year.

“Billy Fox was hated by some because he was seen as too Republican,” he said.

“He was hated by others because he was a Protestant and he wasn’t seen as Republican enough.”

Mr Harris said the event provided an opportunity “to reflect” on “a very significant coarsening” around political debate in Ireland.

A recent protest outside the home of Minister for Integration Roderic O’Gorman has been criticised across the political spectrum.

He said Ireland should be a place where people can disagree with each other without “people gathering outside somebody’s home in balaclavas”.

He added: “That’s not protest. It’s downright thuggery.

“I do think occasions like this should always provide us with a moment to reflect on where we’re at in our own political discourse.”

Mr Harris said he is satisfied that the Gardai do not need new laws to deal with public order incidents and said he would support gardai in enforcing those laws through measures such as the introduction of Garda bodycams.

“We do need to also say this: No matter how challenging situations are, the laws of the land apply in this country. It’s very important that laws are enforced and that rules are enforced without fear or favour.”