A small minority of the pro-life movement is damaging itself by making sensationalist threats against government ministers and TDs who are involved in pursuing abortion legislation, which they have been ordered to introduce - in some form - by the courts.

Yesterday, Health Minister James Reilly said he had received a threatening letter from campaigners, warning him that his house could be burned down if he continued to support new proposals on terminations.

Fr. Iggy O'Donovan is an Augustinian priest from Drogheda who spoke to Newstalk's Breakfast earlier: Yesterday, James Reilly told reporters he has not received any additional security, but admitted the threats were a worrying development for his family.

Minister Reilly said pledges to burn him and his family out of their home have gone much further than they should have.

Targets

A number of politicians including the Taoiseach have previously spoken out about threats they have received from those opposed to the new Protection of Life during Pregnancy Bill.

Enda Kenny said he has been branded a 'murderer' who bears the death of 20-million babies on his soul. During Leader's Questions in the Dáil last week, he said, "I'm getting medals, scapulars, plastic foetuses and letters written in blood, telephone calls all over the system - and it's not confined to me".

Minister Reilly says the threats are "unfortunate" and "unnecessary".