Letter: Irish government's response to fuel protest is a slap in face to the working people
A letter from Dr Caoimhín Ó Maolchalann:
The government's response to the National Fuel Protest has been nothing short of a slap in the face to the working men and women of Ireland.
The minister for justice has publicly suggested a wild conspiracy theory that "Tommy Robinson" (the nom de guerre of the English anti-Muslim provocateur Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) is a Svengali type figure behind the protest.
The taoiseach has endorsed using the army to strike break, a reactionary assault on the right to protest that would be condemned by the Irish government if it happened in Russia, Iran or Israel.
The first time I voted, I voted for one of the present government parties. I was even a member of that party for several years.
I would never vote for this party again following the response we've seen to this protest.
The Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael rural TDs in particular have lost all credibility if they continue supporting the government.
I can feel the resentment and anger is palpable, and that the mood of the people around me is with the protestors.
Over €100,000 was donated to the protestors online in 24 hours.
It is well known that the people out protesting are the salt of the earth working men and women of this country, who used to fill the voting base of the government parties.
They don't want state handouts or anything for free.
The government risks bleeding its base away, and they hope it will be replaced by the hundred thousand Ukrainians whom they've recently ennobled through free money, education and own-key housing.
Dr Caoimhín Ó Maolchalann, Ballinasloe, Co Galway