A DEMONSTRATION in Ballyfermot last week that saw eggs being thrown at a car that was driving Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore and Children’s Minister Frances Fitzgerald to a planned event at a local community centre could ultimately damage the reputation of the area, it has been claimed.
On Friday last, a group of around 20 protesters surrounded the State car outside the BASE community centre on Blackditch Road.
The two senior politicians were due to attend an event at the centre, which provides a wide range of supports to local children and young people.
Management at the community centre and local children were meeting with representatives from UNICEF, which was launching its campaign in support of the upcoming referendum on children’s rights.
Deputy Eric Byrne (Lab), who witnessed the incident, said a crowd of about 20 protesters surrounded the State car, containing the Tanaiste and Minister Fitzgerald, when it arrived at the BASE centre at around 11am.
“When the car arrived there was a mad rush and eggs were thrown at it,
? he said.
“They were shouting and roaring in front of the car.
“They surrounded the car. They were pushing, banging and kicking at it, throwing eggs at it and spitting at it.
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He said the small number of gardai in attendance at the event were outnumbered by the protesters.
Deputy Byrne believes that the incident could potentially have damaging political and social consequences for the Ballyfermot area.
“This was very sad for Ballyfermot,
? he added.
“There is a danger for Ballyfermot arising from incidents like this. It is not that easy to get ministers into your constituency.
“This kind of behaviour is a disgraceful representation of the area and the image of the area will suffer.
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Deputy Michael ConaÂghan (Lab) also condemned the protest.
“The people who tried to disrupt today’s event do not represent Ballyfermot,
? he said.
“Their actions should be roundly condemned.
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Executive Director of UNICEF Ireland, Peter Power, who also attended the event, said:
“We are delighted that UNICEF Ireland’s children’s referendum campaign, with children at the heart of it, has gotten off to a flying start, despite the actions of the protesters.
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Southside People contacted management at the BASE but there was nobody available for comment.