The Five Demands

Republican protesters attack car carrying Tanaiste Gilmore and Frances Fitzgerald (The Independent)

Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore and the Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald were forced to pull out of a Children’s Referendum campaign this morning after their car was attacked by protesters.

As they arrived at The Base community centre in Ballyfermot to launch a UNICEF Ireland event to promote a yes vote in the referendum, the windscreen and bonnet of their BMW car was pelted with eggs.

The side window beside the Tanaiste was spat on and the car kicked by a small number of protestors carrying Eirigi and People Before Profit placards.

They surrounded the car and shouted abuse at the two ministers until gardai intervened, but the police were unable to disperse the group who were protesting against proposed cuts to child benefit.

There were about one hundred children inside the centre at the time waiting for the arrival of the Tanaiste.

Among the protesters was Eirigi councillor Louise Minhan who was convicted of assault and criminal damages after throwing paint over former Health Minister Mary Harney in November 2010.

As they were unable to enter the community centre, the Tanaiste and minister drove off. A spokesman for Eamon Gilmore said that the decision not to return while the protesters remained outside was taken “in order to protect the safety of the children”.

He added that they hoped to re-arrange the event with UNICEF to promote the campaign later in the day.