Jailed peace activist Margaretta D'Arcy has been remanded in custody at a court hearing in Co. Clare this afternoon.

Ms. D'Arcy (79) was jailed last week for illegally accessing a runway at Shannon Airport during a protest against the US Military.

She appeared in Ennis District Court today over her refusal to sign a bond pledging to keep away from the Airport which led to the activation of her 3 month suspended sentence.

Newstalk's Shona Murray was at the court. She told Lunchtime that Ms. D'Arcy asked the judge to throw the case out.

Yesterday, the Tánaiste says the visit of Sabina Higgins to a peace activist in prison "was appropriate". Áras an Uachtaráin confirmed that the wife of President Michael D. Higgins visited Ms. D'Arcy in Limerick Prison over the weekend.

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said earlier that the visit was appropriate.

"I think it is yes - I know Margaretta D'Arcy - she's...an activist all her life and she has very, very strong opinions" he said.

"I didn't know about this until I read about it in the newspapers. I hope her legal team will be working on her behalf to ensure that she's released as soon as possible from prison" he added.

Meanwhile Fianna Fáil questioned the remarks from the Tánaiste, with the party's Michael McGrath saying politicians cannot have a role in the judicial process.

"Well that's a matter for teh criminal justice system and no politician can interfere in decision that have to be made by the judiciary or indeed the Prison Service in relation to releasing any prisoner" he said.

"So I didn't hear his comments, but I would be surprised if he put it in that way" he added.

Pictured above: Laura Caffrey from Wexford at a protest outside Leinster House