#simon-harris

#simon-harris

I think that's something that's not much discussed. I hear a lot of reference to Heather Humphreys as the Fine Gael candidate, which she is, but she's also the candidate that's now backed by a number of members of the Labour Party, a number of members of the Green Party, a number of members of the Fianna Fáil party, including the Taoiseach and the former Fianna Fáil taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, many Independent TDs, Michael Healy Rae, Seán Canney, Marian Harkin, and many Independent councillors as well.

The Fine Gael leader responded this afternoon, saying it 'could well happen' that a counter motion of confidence could be tabled by the coalition this week.

Tánaiste Simon Harris has said the "sustained, relentless nature" of threats targeting his children and family must be called out and not "glossed over".

Mr Harris said he did not believe the political system was taking matters of security and threats "seriously enough" Tánaiste Simon Harris has refused to speculate on his political future following several recent threats against his family, saying he had to "dig pretty deep" to show up to today's Fine Gael think-in.

Mr Harris, who is minister for foreign affairs and defence, 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 a fresh threat against Mr Harris's family, a spokeswoman said: "An Garda Siochana does not comment on named individuals. A Garda Siochana is currently investigating this matter."

On the hottest day of the year, the office of Simon Harris feels unexpectedly fresh due to a cool breeze circulating in from the large Edwardian sash window beside his desk.