Constant armed Gardai protection is at the ready for Tanaiste Leo Varadkar after several death threats have been issued against him.
It is alleged that the "round-the-clock" security has been put in place for the ex-Taoiseach after weeks of serious and malicious threats aimed at him.
Gardai have responded appropriately to the threats and are taking the warnings on Varadkar's life 'very seriously' according to reports in this morning's Sunday Inpendepent.
It comes as police in Northern Ireland investigate the latest graffiti threat against Leo Varadkar in Belfast this week.
The Tanaiste's address was daubed on a wall at the junction of the Newtownards Road and Belvoir Street.
Mr Varadkar's name and address were daubed beside a loyalist mural depicting two gunmen and the words: "The prevention of the erosion of our identity is now our priority. East Belfast Battalion."
It also features various loyalist logos, including that of the UVF.
In January, sinister graffiti targeting Mr Varadkar also appeared in the Belvoir area of south Belfast warning the Tanaiste not to cross the Irish border.
That daubing was condemned by politicians from across the political divide in the region.
