By Daniel McConnell, Political Editor

Sinn Féin has condemned death threats made against Fine Gael TD Regina Doherty after she engaged in a heated debate with party President Gerry Adams on radio.

Ms Doherty, TD for Meath East, was threatened with having her throat slit and she has referred it to Gardaí.

After debating Mr Adams on LMFM radio, Ms Doherty received a series of abusive messages via text message and social media from anonymous individuals.

One message warned that Ms Doherty's throat would be "slit" as a result of her comments made during the debate.

The prominent backbencher has met with her local superintendent and an investigation has been lost.

It is also understood she has been told to take precautions in relation to her personal safety.

Ms Doherty confirmed the threat and said she has been in touch with Gardaí.

Sinn Féin has this afternoon condemned the threats made against Ms Doherty.

In a statement to the Irish Examiner, a spokesman said: "Sinn Féin condemns all threats to politicians. There can never be any justification for this type of behaviour."

Condemning the threats, Renua Ireland leader Lucinda Creighton says that it is a chilling reminder of Sinn Féin's past.

"Sinn Féin needs to unreservedly condemn the death threats made against Regina Doherty, which have no place in a democratic republic,” she said in a statement.

She added: “There is growing tendency amongst the media, and even in the larger political parties to shy away from reminding people of Sinn Féin's past, instead focussing solely on their tax or economic policies.”

“The reality is that that there is no other attack against a political party leader except Sinn Féin which could result in death threats being made against that person, and that's why it is so important that Gerry Adams and Sinn Féin lead from the front in condemning this threat,” Ms Creighton said.