Death threats are a plaque on our House

Minister's security changes

- KEITH FALKINER, JOHN KIERANS and LAURA COLGAN

A GOVERNMENT Minister has revealed she has been the subject of a credible death threat in recent months.

Junior Health Minister Mary Butler admitted she was worried for her safety and has had to make security changes to her constituency office in Waterford.

The Fianna Fail TD made the revelation in light of the recent unsavoury scenes at Leinster House on the return of the Dail on Wednesday. It saw 13 people arrested.

And it comes as another Government TD, Fergus O'Dowd, revealed his staff were left distressed after they were spat at by protesters during those ugly scenes.

Speaking on the Deise Today show on WLRFM yesterday, Minister Butler recounted her gratitude to gardai following what she admitted was a frightening time for her.

She said: "Have I been targeted? I already have been targeted. Am I worried? Yes, I am. I don't want to make this about me.