‘A slap in the face’ – reaction and aftermath of anti-lockdown protest in Dublin

Local politicians tell The Liberty what they think of the extended lockdown and the recent controversial demonstration against it.

 

The protest on the streets of Dublin on February 27 was labelled a ‘riot’ by Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, during an appearance on Newstalk. 

On Grafton Street and South King Street, footage captured gardaí being struck with fireworks, bollards and cans. 

Three gardaí were injured during the clash with anti-lockdown protestors on Grafton Street, with one Garda being treated in hospital for their condition.  Twenty-three people were arrested . 

A wave of anger 

After the protests cooled down, politicians took to the media to give their thoughts and opinions on the demonstrations.  

“What happened in Dublin is deeply disheartening to see, there really is no excuse for using this kind of violence no matter what the cause,” Green Party Td Francis Noel Duffy of Dublin South-West told The Liberty.

Independents 4 Change TD Joan Collins of Dublin South Central said: “I can understand people are getting frustrated, we are all frustrated with a virus that we cannot control but if we follow the level five restrictions, we could possibly suppress the virus to lower levels.”

“The protest was a slap in the face to our health workers, the gardaí, those who are vulnerable with underlying health issues and essential workers. 

 “If you are unhappy, demand that the Government extend the quarantine to everyone who is travelling into our country for non-essential travel and that public health medicine is properly funded and resourced. Contact your Governments Td’s and councillors,” she added. 

Information on how to contact a TD regarding any issue can be found at this link: TDs & Senators – Houses of the Oireachtas