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Two men were arrested during a tense standoff outside the Dáil today, when two groups of protesters clashed during an anti-blockade demonstration.
About 100 people gathered on Kildare Street to hear a speech by Justin Barrett of the National Party, who opposes Ireland’s Covid-19 restrictions.
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A full Garda operation was underway from early morning outside the Dail. Photo by Steve Humphreys
Across the street, a larger crowd had gathered in front of the Molesworth Hotel to oppose the speech. Gardaí formed two lines to separate the groups of protesters.
Mr. Barrett criticized the Taoiseach, saying: “Micheál Martin is not the leader of this country, he is a land broker for absent owners who used to live in London but now reside in New York and Brussels.”
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Anti-mask protesters protest against members of the National Party outside the Dail on Kildare Street. Photo by Steve Humphreys
As tensions escalated, Gardaí intervened to keep the two sides apart as missiles and barriers were launched at the crowd and fireworks exploded. The Gardaí had feared violence after a recent march on Grafton Street saw hundreds of anti-mask activists organize a sit-in protest.
A full operation was implemented from early in the morning involving up to 100 Garda personnel from the DMR Central South and Central North Divisions and the National Law Enforcement Unit with the support of the Garda Dog and Mounted Units.
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Gardai at an anti-mask rally outside the Dail on Kildare Street. Photo by Steve Humphreys, Oct 10, 2020
A Garda spokesperson said: “At approximately 12:30 pm, two protest groups began to gather in the Molesworth Street / Kildare Street and St Stephens Green areas.
“Members of the Garda were forced to intervene several times during the course of the afternoon to keep opposing parties apart and maintain public safety before the groups finally dispersed without any serious incident shortly after 3:30 p.m. .
“An investigation is underway targeting the organizers of both protests.”
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