IRELAND’S premier has slammed the “thuggish behaviour” and attacks on Irish police as anti-lockdown protesters stormed the capital’s city centre.
A number of people were arrested as hundreds of protesters took part in an anti-lockdown protest in Dublin yesterday.
Protesters clashed with police as they marched through the city centre and attempted to make their way to St Stephen’s Green park.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said he “utterly condemns” the protests.
Martin said demonstrators posed “an unacceptable risk to both the public and gardai”.
In a statement, Martin said: “The large gathering, in the face of ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, showed a complete lack of respect to the people who have made huge sacrifices during this pandemic.
“Nor can we tolerate the thuggish behaviour or attacks on gardai, who have the public’s utmost respect as they continue to protect and serve our society in difficult circumstances.
“There can be no justification for the march or the violence that unfolded, and I pay tribute to members of An Garda Siochana who moved quickly to make arrests and restore order.”
Deputy premier Leo Varadkar said he was “horrified” to see protesters clash with police.
Varadkar tweeted: “Irish people have spent last year fighting Covid.
“There is no excuse for violence to gardai or anyone.
“This behaviour on Grafton St by a selfish few undermines sacrifices that millions have made in the last 12 months.”
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee described the clashes as “completely unacceptable”.
In a statement, McEntee said: “I have spoken to the Garda Commissioner this evening and he has told me the disturbance in Dublin is being brought under control.
“I know there have been a number of arrests already today and a special court sitting is being arranged to make sure these law-breakers are prosecuted speedily.
“I understand fixed charge notices have also been issued to a number of people.
“I want to commend the courage and professionalism of the Gardai on duty today in Dublin who responded with great control and discipline in an extremely challenging situation.
“This situation was completely unacceptable and was an insult to so many who have worked so hard in the fight against Covid-19 and to those who have died.
“This mindless thuggery showed a wilful and blatant disregard for the public health rules which are needed to help us all and keep us safe.”
There was a heavy garda presence in the city centre ahead of the protest, which started at around 2pm.
Hundreds of people, who were not wearing face masks, took part in the demonstration.
Gardai used batons to push protesters away from the park.
Videos of the protest shows a demonstrator point a firework at gardai before it went off, while other missiles and items were thrown at gardai.
Protesters were prevented from gathering in the park after the Office of Public Works closed the gates to the public.
The city’s tram operator said that its services would not be operating at the St Stephen’s Green stop because of the protest.
A spokesperson for An Garda Siochana said: “A number of traffic diversions and other policing measures are currently in place in Dublin this afternoon, Saturday, February 27, 2021 in response to a demonstration in the city centre area.”
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