Taoiseach Simon Harris has urged that warning signs around the abuse of politicians and public figures be taken seriously "before the unthinkable happens".

The Fine Gael leader has said that politics has become more divisive and dangerous for elected representatives on all sides.

In remarks delivered at an event in Monaghan today, the Taoiseach said that the homes of politicians have been targeted by "angry mobs", and elected representatives are afraid of what might happen to them or their families.

"We know how this story ends," Mr Harris said.

"We have had too many warnings and we need to take them seriously before the unthinkable happens."

Today's event marked 50 years since the death of Fine Gael Senator Billy Fox, who was the only Oireachtas member to be killed during the Troubles.

Mr Harris said while "none since have been shot down in cold blood...we cannot be complacent".

The Taoiseach pledged that the "full power of the law" will be used to protect democracy and that the far right or far left will not be allowed to "threaten, intimidate, or worse".

Mr Harris criticised attacks on gardaí as "an attack on democracy" and said that perpetrators must face the full rigours of the law.

He also called for a return of what he termed "civilised debate".

Read more: Threats undermine democracy, says O'Gorman after protest outside his home

The Taoiseach also praised the work of gardaí who he said do an "extraordinarily good job in difficult circumstances".

He said that he has been assured by gardaí and the Minister for Justice that new laws are not needed.

"I know it can be a very difficult and challenging job, we need to support our gardaí," Mr Harris said ahead of the roll-out of body-worn cameras for officers next month.

"We already have increased sentences in legislation for an attack or an assault on a garda or a garda vehicle or other emergency workers.

"We constantly keep that under review.

"No matter how challenging situations are, the laws of the land apply in this country and it's very important they are enforced without fear or favour."

Reported bomb threat at McEntee home 'horrific'

Meanwhile, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke said a reported bomb threat at Minister for Justice Helen McEntee's home was "horrific".

Speaking on RTÉ's The Week in Politics, Mr Burke said it was an "awful thing to experience" and should not happen to anyone.

Speaking on the same programme, Sinn Féin's Spokesperson for Public Spending and Reform Rose Conway-Walsh said the threat of attack was "not acceptable on any level".

She said they have to get the system right and "leave no room for those with thuggish behaviour".

Gardaí being 'put into difficult situation' - Tóibín

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín said gardaí were being "put into a very difficult situation" regarding anti-immigration protests.

He said that while peaceful protest was the foundation of a democratic society, there was a responsibility not to set things on fire.

"In some of these protests there are real people with real concerns, but there is also a very small group of individuals trying to use this for really dark political purposes," he said.

"I think the best way to solve this is for the Government to get a system in place that differentiates between those who need help and those who don't need help, which has compassion but common sense."

Independent TD Marian Harkin said there are people who are "determined to cause trouble" but there were also people with "real genuine concerns" about their community.

She said that while many people would not attend such protests, they still have concerns and feel they are not being listened to.