There were angry scenes outside the Dáil today as TDs returned to work for the first time since the summer recess. A total 13 arrests were made over the course of today connected with incidents in the vicinity of Government Buildings, Gardaí tonight confirmed.
Gript understands that one of those arrested included a pregnant woman. Some of those present at today’s protest have taken to social media to claim that two elderly women was also arrested.
Those in attendance at the heated protest said they were angry about immigration and the approach to various issues taken by Irish politicians. Over the course of the demonstration, which started this morning and continued throughout the afternoon and this evening, calls were heard to “make Ireland safe again” – with elected representatives in the Dáil described as “traitor politicians”.
It is understood that those in attendance sought to rally against politicians primarily over the government’s immigration policy and education policies in schools. Many carried Irish flags, and said that their message was “Ireland first.”
One of the speakers at the protest, solicitor Malachy Steenson, criticised “indoctrination” in the education system, while also slamming the media.
“What has happened in this country in the past number of years is that people have just accepted the dictats and the propaganda from the State media, whether it’s RTE or any other of the mainstream media,” Mr Steenson said. “And they’ve accepted it as fact.”
He said that “continual distraction and lies and propaganda” had led to a lack of trust in the State broadcaster.
“People need to get up off the keyboards and actually get out onto the streets,” he said, in a message to the crowd. He said it was “time for people to stand up and be counted,” Mr Steenson said.
Mr Steenson said that the numbers of people coming into Ireland “is overwhelming us,” adding: “The reality is that in this country, we haven’t got the facilities to sustain the people who are already here, whether it’s in term of hospitals, housing, education, or any of the other infrastructure that’s needed.”
Dr Vincent Carroll, former chairman of ARC Cancer Support Centres in 2018, also addressed the crowd.
“We reject those people who tell us what we can say, what we cannot say, what we can think, what we cannot think,” he said.
He said Ireland was not about to “give away” its sovereignty.
“It was Irish monks who went abroad and brought the light of learning and the light of civilisation to a dark Europe. Now, we will do the same, because we, in our strength, will influence others […] But we’re strong in Ireland, we are powerful in Ireland when we work together as a people and as a nation, and we will reject globalism,” Dr Carroll said.
Another attendee, Derek Blighe of Ireland First, said that “the overwhelming majority of people” who hear his message are receptive.
“Everyone knows that something is seriously wrong,” he said in footage from the protest shared online. “Ireland knows what’s going on,” he added.
While the protest appears to have started out peacefully with speakers in attendance, a large police presence formed and multiple arrests were later made as scenes turned angry. Many online slammed what they perceived as intimidating and violent behaviour from some in attendance.
Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae was assaulted by protestors, requiring Gardai protection. In footage posted online, the rural Independent could be seen being shoved and shouted at by a number of furious individuals, as he was called “filth” and a “traitor” in a sustained verbal assault, with the Kerry politician looking overwhelmed.
Senator Sharon Keogan condemned the actions of protestors as “disgraceful,” slamming the attack on Healy-Ray on X, formerly Twitter: “This is disgraceful behaviour by the mob. No politician deserves this and they certainly don’t represent good Irish people.”
This is disgraceful behaviour by the mob. No politician deserves this. I condemn this thuggery and they certainly don't represent good Irish people. https://t.co/UPymcM3NS8
— Senator Sharon Keogan (@SenatorKeogan) September 20, 2023
Protestors are believed to be angry at Healy-Rae because his company, Roughty Properties, had requested, and been refused, permission for an extension to Rosemount Guest House in Tralee, which houses refugees, as per a report in The Examiner.
“This is our f*****g country, never come back here again,” one protestor could be heard screaming at Healy-Rae.
In live footage streamed of the protest online, fake gallows could also be seen, along with images of a number of politicians, showing someone being hanged in an effigy:
The scenes have been described as “thug-like.” Others said the protest was evidence of the immense anger felt by some over government policies.
Tanaiste Michael Martin said that while he hadn’t seen the posters in question, which were attached to the effigy, what had taken place was “a very personalised attack, targeting politicians.”He said the nature of the protest was “unacceptable and reprehensible.”
“We live in a parliamentary democracy,” he said. “We live in a parliamentary democracy. Notwithstanding the flaws in any democracy, there is no need for this kind of behaviour outside Dail Eireann,” Mr Martin said.
Gardaí from Pearse Street told Gript this evening that they are currently at the scene of the demonstration involving a group of individuals in the vicinity of Merrion Street, Dublin 2 outside Government Buildings.
“Traffic restrictions are currently in place on Merrion Street upper and diversions are in place,” Gardaí said.
The statement read: “Earlier today, two individuals, both male and aged in their 40s, were arrested under the public order act following an incident on Molesworth Street and taken to a Garda Station in Dublin. Both have since been charged and brought before the courts.”
In an updated statement this evening, Gardaí said 13 arrests were made over the course of the day.
“Gardaí at Pearse Street put in place a policing operation to facilitate the resumption of the 33rd Dáil at Government Buildings today, Wednesday, 20th September 2023,” they said in a statement.
“On a number of occasions Gardaí were required to intervene during public order incidents which occurred on Molesworth Street, Kildare Street and Merrion Street.
“Regular uniform Gardaí, were supported by Plain Clothes Units and the Public Order Unit in ‘soft cap’ mode.”
The statement read: “In total 13 arrests were made over the course of today connected with incidents in the vicinity of Government Buildings.
“A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed, overseeing an investigation team based at Pearse Street, to coordinate and investigate all of the circumstances regarding these incidents and any other matters which may be identified as necessary for investigation which occurred around Government Buildings.”