Seanad debates

Thursday, 24 October 2002

Some gardaí got into trouble during a recent anti-globalisation protest and were seen as being too heavy-handed, but I do not want to discuss the merits of the particular case. I was in Gothenberg when its main street – perhaps due to the too softly-softly approach of the police – was absolutely wrecked. The Minister for Finance was holed up for several hours in his hotel as the mob rampaged. Unfortunately, there are people who want to provoke violence in such circumstances and, better still, provoke an over-reaction from the police. I have some sympathy for the Garda in respect of this matter and do not want Dublin to be wrecked in the future because of some kind of anti-globalisation demonstration. While I accept that people have the right to protest and march peacefully, they must realise that a certain balance has to be achieved.

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