A protest in the Dáil today featuring images of TDs on gallows has been described as “a very personalised attack” against politicians by Tánaiste Micheál Martin. 

Around 200 protestors have brought mock gallows and photographs of politicians to a demonstration outside Leinster House ahead of the Dáil’s return. 

The gallows, which feature an effigy of a man hanging from a noose, have been covered with images of high-profile TDs including Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald. 

Signs at the protest include ‘Ballybrack says no’ and ‘Beep if you know our politicians are corrupt’, and several TDs were called ‘globalist traitors’ in posters. 

Protesters outside Leinster House, Dublin, as the Dail resumes after summer recess, 20/09/2023. Image: PA Image/Alamy Stock.

Speaking from the UN General Assembly in New York, Tánasite Micheál Martin said the protest is a “very personalised attack and targeting of politicians”. 

“That's unacceptable and irreprehensible,” he said. 

“Many people have commented to me here... about how Ireland is politically effective now at harnessing civil society and debates on a whole range of issues. 

“People are actually interested in the processes [and] we use that to try and get better input from civil society. 

“There's no need for that kind of behaviour.” 

The nearby National Library of Ireland shut down for today as a result of the protest.