The Communications Minister says the actions of protesters targeting President Higgins were a ‘disgrace’.
Video footage has emerged showing anti-water charge demonstrators shouting insults at Michael D Higgins as he visited a school in Finglas last week.
The 73-year-old head of state was called a “little midget parasite” and “traitor” as the group convened to protest his signing into law the Water Services Bill in December
A number of gardaí held back the group from the presidential car, while protesters continued to pelt insults at the head of state and blow whistles. See the footage below, which contains NSFW language:
Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Anti-Austerity Alliance TD Paul Murphy defended the group's right to protest. However he said he did not support the "personalised comments" used by some demonstrators.
Deputy Murphy appeared on Newstalk Lunchtime today to clarify and expand on his comments to the paper:
Labour's Pat Rabbitte also appeared on the show to debate the subject with Mr Murphy. The Anti-Austerity Alliance TD said the group in question should apologise for their language:
Pat Rabbitte says the President has "no role in this":
Minister Alex White says the protest was “lamentable” and “is no way to treat any citizen”.
He says people are entitled to take to the streets and demonstrate, but that the scenes in Finglas were unacceptable:
Speaking on the Pat Kenny Show this morning, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he "deplore[ed] completely" what happened during the protest, saying President Higgins is "carrying out his duties".
Originally posted at 10.34am
