It’s been the talk of the nation since Saturday. Anti-lockdown protesters took to the streets, the majority of them peaceful in their protest, with the exception of Rocket Man who absolutely no one appears to be able to identify. Take from that what you will.
Meanwhile, the former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that Saturday’s event was a riot, not a protest.
The Tanaiste and former Minister for Health Simon Harris have condemned the violent scenes in St Stephen’s Green on Saturday afternoon.
In statements posted on Twitter both Harris and Varadkar said the scenes were shocking and disgraceful.
In a tweet the Tanaiste wrote: “Horrified to see this on our streets. Irish people have spent last year fighting Covid.”
“There is no excuse for violence to Gardaí or anyone. This behaviour on Grafton St by a selfish few undermines sacrifices that millions have made in the last 12 months.”
Meanwhile Harris wrote: “Pure thuggery on the streets of Dublin today. It’s not a “protest”.”
“It’s an attack on our national effort. The abuse directed at the Gardai is sickening & shameful. Disgraceful. Thoughts with the Gardai and their families.”
Horrified to see this on our streets. Irish people have spent last year fighting Covid. There is no excuse for violence to Gardaí or anyone. This behaviour on Grafton St by a selfish few undermines sacrifices that millions have made in the last 12 months https://t.co/QI8x2dmFg3
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) February 27, 2021
Pure thuggery on the streets of Dublin today. It’s not a “protest”. It’s an attack on our national effort. The abuse directed at the Gardai is sickening & shameful. Disgraceful. Thoughts with the Gardai and their families
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) February 27, 2021