Alan Kelly upset by threats to young family's safety
Labour’s Alan Kelly has said his ‘young family’ face ‘upsetting’ threats to their safety.
In an emotional speech to supporters in his Tipperary constituency, the Environment Minister revealed that Gardaí are in constant contact with him about ‘dissident’ concerns.
The Minister has said threats from water protesters and other elements targeted his wife and children and were ‘very nasty’.
Minister Alan Kelly has said he is concerned about the threats facing his family.
“One particular time a Superintendent told me that there was dissident issues going on so you know them things kind of upset you and worry you and you have to share, I believe you have to share everything with your family to make them fully aware of what is going on so there were some emotional times.
“And you know you get different stuff in the post, the lads in the office got so much stuff, post and phone calls and different other threats so it was just a difficult time, I had never faced anything like that before.
Meanwhile Labour's Deputy Leader has denied his comments to the media are derailing his party's election campaign.
The Environment Minister has said he 'hasn't heard' any disquiet from his colleagues about his performance in the first week of the campaign.
He says he will continue to be a major part of Labour's national strategy between now and February 26.
Alan Kelly has said he will not be stepping back.
“No absolutely not and I’m asked a question and I will answer it. I mean I have a portfolio, I am a minister in Government and I am deputy leader in a party and I am very proud of it.
“And I am going to be in politics for a long time and I am going to be in the Labour party for a long time.
“In fairness I think the election is going to kick off this week, you know personality issues, discussion on certain individuals will diminish quite substantially.”
