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Scuffles between water charge protesters and gardaí as Alan Kelly arrives at the Dáil
Protesters chanted “shame on you” as Kelly made his way to the gates.
THERE WERE MINOR scuffles between water charge protesters and gardaí earlier as Labour TD Alan Kelly arrived at the Dáil.
A large group of protesters gathered outside of the Dáil ahead of a debate on a Sinn Féin-tabled motion calling for the controversial charges to be scrapped.
As the former Minister for Environment arrived outside the gates to make his way to Leinster House, he was approached by a small number of people who were part of the demonstration.
Photos show scuffles between protesters and gardaí, as officers moved them out of the former minister’s path.
The crowd can be heard, in footage captured by an RTÉ cameraman, loudly chanting “shame, shame, shame on you” as Kelly walks inside.
A Labour spokesperson said the TD came away from the incident unscathed.
Sinn Féin’s motion is supported by a number of other parties, with a vote expected at around 8.30pm. Earlier this week it looked like new junior minister John Halligan might vote against the government, but he later said he would support the counter-motion that is being put forward.
The government’s amendment would suspend charges for nine months pending a review by an independent commission.
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