Taoiseach: Garda was ‘wielding baton indiscriminately’
The Taoiseach says it is clearly evident from video footage that at least one garda was wielding a baton indiscriminately during Monday’s street protest in Dublin.
He made the comments on the campaign trail in Laois today. Mr Ahern held an impromptu press conference on the matter this afternoon. He said it was up to the gardai to deal with the matter themselves and that it was never acceptable for the gardai to use unacceptable or excessive force.
Mr Ahern is urging his party faithful to get out and canvass tonight because most people will be home watching the Manchester United match. He said most people will be in their homes watching the Manchester United-Arsenal match tonight and it would be "a great night to win both."
Mr Ahern arrived today by helicopter to Laois. The Taoiseach is campaigning in the Laois-Offaly constituency , where his party hopes to win three seats in the May 17 election.
Mr Ahern is due to canvass with Sean Fleming and John Moloney as Fianna Fail attempts to secure a vote transfer arrangement from Brian Cowen, who is tipped to easily retain his seat.
Fianna Fail hopes that Mr Cowen’s transfers can also get Mr Fleming and Mr Moloney elected.
