Dublin, Ireland – Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar faced a series of death threats and hoax bomb calls throughout his time in office, a recent revelation has exposed. The threats even extended to his €800,000 home in Dublin, which he shares with long-time partner Matt Barrett.
According to sources, the incidents were promptly addressed by the Gardai, and Varadkar’s residence was thoroughly checked and secured during one instance. Despite the challenges, friends described Varadkar as brave and resilient, choosing not to let the onslaught of abuse affect him. However, the constant scrutiny and threats led Varadkar to eventually step down from his role as Taoiseach.
A government insider disclosed that Varadkar received a higher volume of threats and abuse compared to other politicians, particularly following the Dublin riots. Many of these threats were believed to originate from extremist groups on the far right, prompting an increase in personal protection measures for Varadkar and other government officials.
In response to a recent inquiry from Independent Laois/Offaly TD Carol Nolan about his security, Varadkar emphasized the cooperation between the Department of the Taoiseach, the Defence Forces, and the Gardai to ensure the safety of government officials and staff. He underscored the presence of established protocols for handling security incidents, including bomb threats.
As Varadkar transitions out of office, the incoming Taoiseach Simon Harris is now faced with heightened security measures for himself and his family. Security around Harris and his loved ones, as they prepare for his inauguration on April 9, has been significantly bolstered, with armed Garda bodyguards assigned for around-the-clock protection at their home in Greystones, Co Wicklow.
Despite the challenges presented by threats and protests, authorities are unwavering in their commitment to ensuring the safety of government officials. A Garda source emphasized the need for vigilance in light of escalating online animosity and threats directed towards political figures, reaffirming the necessity of taking all threats seriously.