‘Trial of Jobstown protesters would be embarrassing for the Government’ says Paul Murphy – TheLiberal.ie – Our News, Your Views

‘Trial of Jobstown protesters would be embarrassing for the Government’ says Paul Murphy




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The Jobstown protest on November 15 last year has become somewhat of a watershed moment in the fight against Irish Water and the much hated charges.

That day, Tánaiste Joan Burton and her advisor became trapped by protesters inside their car for over two hours. Some months later, Gardai started knocking on the doors of 37 people in the early morning, including Paul Murphy, to exact retribution.

It transpired yesterday that Murphy himself, and a few other people, may face charges of false imprisonment and criminal damage, pending on a decision by the DPP.

But Mr. Murphy has said that he doesn’t think he would be convicted for the alleged false imprisonment of Tánaiste Joan Burton.

He added that the Tánaiste would have to be called to court to provide evidence, if it came to trial. According to him, such court case would be ‘deeply embarrassing’ for the Government.

Mr. Murphy stated “Joan Burton would have to be a key witness, and I think it would do major damage to the Government in reality for them to be seen to be pursuing leading figures of the anti-water charges movement in this way.”

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