Louth senator condemns Leinster House violence

Local senator, Erin McGreehan, has condemned the violence that erupted on the streets around Leinster House last week on the Dáil’s return after the summer recess.

About 200 protesters from the far-right gathered on Molesworth Street, Kildare Street and Merrion Street and began shouting abuse as politicians and Leinster House staff entered and exited Government Buildings. Garda intervention was needed to guide the politicians to safety.

Gardaí kept the protesters away from the main entrance to Leinster House, but it was while walking towards the building that politicians and others had to run the gauntlet on the mob, some of whom carried placards depicting among others Taoiseach Leo Vardaker, Sinn Fein leader, Mary Lou McDonald and Minister for Education, Norma Foley. Mock gallows were erected at the height of the protest. Gardaí later said that 13 arrests had been made.

The behaviour throughout the day has been condemned by the three leaders of the government parties, all of whom were attending the United Nations in New York at the time.

In a statement, Sen McGreehan said it was unfortunate that demonstrations can turn to acts of aggression. “Violence and aggression against public representative is not new, but the frequency of the abuse has increased.

“We had the incident a few years where a Minister at the time, Joan Burton, and others, were unable to leave their car for hours after being trapped inside by protesters; and more recently, a Fianna Fáil colleague of mine, Minister Anne Rabbitte, had a bag of faeces thrown at her.

“On a smaller scale, but not less concerning, the clinic where I hold meetings had a window smashed a number of weeks back.”

The senator added: “We live in a democracy where people are allowed to protest. Almost every day groups gather outside the Dáil for peaceful protests over a variety of issues, which they are entitled to do. Indeed, I have been involved myself in one.

“But what happened last week was different. This was violence where people going about their work were at risk of being injured. Violence only further divides us and hinders progress towards meaningful solutions.”