"Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan stated, 'While Government respects the right to protest, that right must be exercised lawfully and must respect the rights of others to earn a livelihood or to move freely.' He emphasized the importance of keeping ports and fuel depots open and accessible, warning that 'no one is above the law.'"
"'Government is well aware of the pressures on people from increased fuel costs, but democracy cannot be dictated to by an unelected group whose actions are now damaging the Irish public,' O'Callaghan added, highlighting the need for lawful protests."
"'We'll sleep in our tractors,' expressed one protestor, reflecting the growing fears that ongoing fuel protests could leave pumps in the west of the country dry, indicating the seriousness of the situation."
Protests in Dublin and Galway have led to significant disruptions, particularly affecting fuel supplies. Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan emphasized that while the right to protest is respected, it must be lawful and not infringe on others' rights. He warned that there will be consequences for those blocking access to ports and fuel depots. The government acknowledges the public's frustrations over rising fuel costs but insists that democracy cannot be undermined by unlawful actions. Commuters are facing major travel disruptions as protests continue.
Read at Irish Independent
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