Anti-water charges protestors slammed by local politicians

LEADING local political figures, including Tánaiste and Dublin West TD Joan Burton, last week strongly criticised the anti-water charges protest outside Coláiste Eoin.

The Tánaiste was targeted by anti-water charges protestors herself last November when she attended a graduation ceremony in Tallaght and was trapped in her car for over two hours.

However, she feels that targeting the head of State is a step too far.

“People are fully entitled to make their views known on any public issue, but this kind of behaviour towards our President is entirely unacceptable,

? she said.

“In our Constitution, the office of President is above day to day politics, and I’m sure the overwhelming majority of Irish people would deplore this conduct.

?

Dublin North West TD, John Lyons (Lab), who attended the presidential event at Coláiste Eoin, also condemned the protest, which he described as

“aggressive

?.

“I attended the event along with a large number of former students, staff and public representatives,

? he said.

“The actions of the protestors were completely out of kilter with the very positive event being held in the school. The President was speaking at a celebration of 50 years of Coláiste Eoin and highlighted the positive contribution of the school to the local community.

“The protestors, I believe, do not have the support of the vast majority of people in Finglas, who are disgusted by the abusive and aggressive behaviour shown to our President in the community.

“The President is above politics and there is nothing to be achieved by hurling abusive comments and targeting the many community events and celebrations he attends.

“All too often Finglas is unfairly or negatively portrayed. On a day when there was an opportunity to celebrate the positives in the community, it is disappointing that a very small number of protestors have taken away from that.

?

Cllr Paul McAuliffe (FF) condemned the protest as

“ill-judged

? and claimed it caused offence to the school and its community.

“The protest at Coláiste Eoin was in marked contrast to those marches that took place before Christmas when thousands of people protested peacefully against the unfair scheme of charges and the super quango Irish Water,

? he added.

“Whatever your views, personalised name calling to anyone is offensive and borders on bullying. It has no place in a democracy. I accept the absolute right to protest but that comes with a responsibility to act respectfully to local people and their invited guests.

?