Jim Higgins (Fine Gael)

I agree with the comments of Senators O'Toole and Dardis about last night's incident. I was there for an hour and a half and saw what happened. It was reminiscent of a fascist display rather than a pacifist display. The group had obviously been infiltrated by rabble, some of whom had a considerable amount of military experience not long ago in this country when they wrought havoc. What took place was nothing other than naked thuggishness. I agree wholeheartedly with Senator Dardis that the gardaí acted with commendable restraint in the face of terrible taunts and gross provocation. They did their job commendably. It was disgraceful that Members seeking egress from the House had to retreat into the House under Garda protection. It is intolerable and cannot be allowed to happen again.