We'll protect democracy from hatred

O Fearghail call to 'wake up'. Threat must 'be curtailed'

- REBECCA BLACK

THE Ceann Comhairle has pledged to protect Irish democracy from "hate mongers".

Violent scenes marred the first day back at Leinster House last week following the summer recess.

Gardai had to move in on Wednesday as demonstrations saw entrances blocked and included mock gallows featuring ministers and opposition TDs.

The Ceann Comhairle Sean O Fearghail has met with senior members of An Garda Siochana, but said no conclusions have been reached around security.

He said a review on what happened and how it was handled will be ongoing". Mr O Fearghail said he and his colleagues have a fear of a repeat of what happened in the UK, where MPs Jo Cox and David Amess were killed.

But he said they did not want to create a "parliament at a remove, some sort of ivory tower that cannot be approached by the Irish public".