“Garda Protection Recommended for Super Junior Ministers After Death Threat to TD Jack Chambers”

Gardaí are investigating a credible death threat made against Fianna Fáil TD Jack Chambers. The threat, contained in a one-page typed letter, was deemed “very serious” and “sinister” by Gardaí. The letter, which was received in February and posted to Chambers’ Dublin West constituency office, was political in nature and expressed dissatisfaction with the Government. Gardaí are recommending that three super junior ministers receive Garda protection, but Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has yet to make a decision on the matter. In 2011, ministerial protection was revoked due to austerity measures, but Garda drivers were reinstated last year for certain ministers following security reviews. Around 40 Garda officers have been recruited to staff a driver pool for ministers, but this did not include the three junior ministers Chambers, Hildegarde Naughton and Pippa Hackett. Politicians have been advised to vary their travel and carry panic alarms, following incidents of harassment and abuse. The Department of Public Expenditure is considering funding extra security measures.