Taoiseach's visit to west Mayo towns disrupted by protests

A Mayo Fine Gael elected representative has described as 'deeply upsetting and shocking' protests which occurred in Castlebar and Westport today during the visit of Taoiseach Simon Harris.

Members of the Burke family disrupted his scheduled election canvass in both towns by protesting over the fact family member, Enoch, is in jail for the past year due to a failure to purge his contempt of court.

Mr. Harris was accompanied by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee and MEP Maria Walsh.

Asked about the protest, the Taoiseach told members of the media: “They clearly didn’t understand how the constitution works.

“We live in a country where the court and government are separate, and people need to abide by rules of the court.

"It would be entirely inappropriate for me as Taoiseach to comment on a decision of the court.

"And anyone who expects the Taoiseach to do that clearly does not understand how the constitution works.

“Protest has an important role to play in any democracy. I have been protested at, and I have been on protests, during my political career.

"There is a difference between protest and an attempt to significantly disrupt.

“I think people know about me it takes an awful lot to disrupt my energy and I continued to enjoy talking to people in Castlebar, calling into cafes and shops getting out the message.

"I don’t think we should allow a small number of people to say we have changed as a people.

“I’m out nearly every day meeting people in an unorganised manner walking into cafes, businesses restaurants and the streets talking to people and my overwhelming opinion of Irish people is decency.

“There is an element, and it is a small element, but they like to shout and amplify but they are small in number.

“And we have laws and it’s important those laws are enforced and the gardai need to enforce those laws.

"We have seen some particular upsetting scenes in recent weeks, and I expect the full rigours of the law."

Local Councillor Ger Deere described the scenes witnessed in Castlebar - broadcast on social media - as 'deeply upsetting and shocking.'

There was also a separate protest in Castlebar about immigration.