'Thuggery' - Kilkenny TDs react to Dáil protests

Two Kilkenny TDs have condemned the behaviour of protesters outside the Dáil on Wednesday, as many TDs and Oireachtas staff were left trapped in the complex.

Approximately, 200 protesters gathered outside the main gate of Leinster House, many bearing signs and banners featuring anti-immigration slogans, while others displayed makeshift, imitation gallows with photographs of prominent politicians including Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and former Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan attached to the frame around an effigy hanging from a noose.  

Thirteen protesters were arrested by Gardaí for public-order offences during the demonstrations.

Reacting to Wednesday's events, local Fianna Fáil TD, John McGuinness, said: "It is at the core of our democracy that people have a right to peaceful protest and I accept that but this gathering was far from peaceful. It was an attack on the democratic institution of Dáil Éireann. Members of our Parliament were under siege by an intimidating aggressive mob that showed no respect for democracy or the rule of law.

"Witnesses attending committee hearings and visitors to the Dáil were subjected to the same abuse which was a frightening experience for them. Greater security measures are needed at Leinster House on a permanent basis but must not be to the detriment of the unique relationship between the people and their Parliament," Mr McGuinness said.

Sinn Fein TD, Kathleen Funchion, commented: "I fully respect the right to peaceful protest, I have attended many protests in my 20 years in Sinn Fein. Peaceful protest can be very effective. I fully condemn the actions of the so called 'protesters' who didn’t seem to know themselves exactly what they were protesting, on Wednesday at the Dàil. Blocking people’s access to work, throwing bags of urine at people and screaming abusive comments at people is not peaceful protest. It’s thuggery and should be condemned."