Gardai have now been deployed to protect the homes of the Taoiseach and Tanaiste 24 hours a day – because of the threat from the far-right.
The Irish Mirror has established Garda bosses have sent officers to perform so-called protection posts on the home of Leo Varadkar in Dublin and Micheal Martin in Cork after last Thursday’s riots in the capital. Ireland’s two most senior politicians used to have round the clock protection on their homes, but the measure was withdrawn around 18 months ago after a security review.
But sources have said a security review after the Dublin riots – sparked by far-right protesters after the stabbing of three kids and a worker at the Gaelscoil Cholaiste Mhuire has prompted more protection. The office holders have an armed Special Detective Unit detail who protect them wherever they are, but now the decision has been made to provide permanent security at the men’s homes.
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Both politicians are hate figures for the far- right and sources said senior gardai believe their properties have to get full-time protection. A Garda spokesman declined to comment on security matters when contacted by the Mirror last night. But sources told us there were now protection posts on both men’s homes.
Mr Varadkar’s home has been repeatedly targeted by the far-right and other groups have held protests outside the property in recent years. Gardai were so concerned for the safety of ministers they reintroduced armed drivers for all 15 members of the cabinet – something that had been taken away when the recession hit Ireland in 2011.
There is also increasing concern for the protection of all TDs – most of whom have now spent thousands of euro on security at their homes and offices. Gardai also regularly mount extra patrols and security around Leinster House – which has been repeatedly targeted by protesters.
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Meanwhile, Labour leader Ivana Bacik has condemned the Government for voting down her plan to introduce protections for election candidates. The Labour Party put forward amendments to the Electoral Act to ensure candidates in council and general elections would not have to publish their home addresses.
Deputy Bacik said yesterday: “The new Electoral Commission should have the power to change rules around the need for candidates to disclose a specific home or postal address on ballot papers. We are disappointed that Government decided to vote against this much needed measure.
“We need to encourage more people into politics and to address the barriers that prevent people from entering electoral politics.
“Unfortunately, due to the failure of this Government to tackle the far-right and to ensure sufficient safeguards to protect the safety of those who wish to put themselves forward for public office, we know that potential
candidates for all parties are fearful of putting their home addresses into
the public record.
“Who could blame them.”
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