So has spoken the current Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, He made this statement following a tense stand-off between a group of about 200 protesters and Gardai in Coolock last night. The use of pepper spray was reported, though this is unconfirmed as of yet.
Varadkar said that “some protesters are particularly aggressive towards Gardai” and that “it’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt, or worse.”
When asked in Newstalk whether he was “smearing” the 150,000 plus people who marched against water charges last Saturday, he said he was not, and that he knows most of the demonstrations are “peaceful”.
Yesterday’s stand-off was sparked by the arrest of three protesters who had been present at an event attended by the Taoiseach. These people and a group of others attempted to block Enda Kenny’s exit from the Santry Sports Club. The three detained were taken to a Garda Station in Coolock. A 200-strong group then gathered outside the station. Over 20 squad cars were said to be in attendance to calm the situation.
Yesterday also, the High Court granted an order to set up a 20-meter safe perimeter around water meter installation sites.