Richard Hogan: The Dublin riots show the need for societal change

"It was not a demonstration, it was an assault on democracy. It was the expression, by a few, of a desire towards mayhem and disorder. We must remember that they do not represent the majority of Irish people. They are a few, but they are among us."

A bus and car on fire on O'Connell Street in Dublin city centre after violent scenes unfolded following an attack on Parnell Square East where five people were injured, including three young children. Pic: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

I vividly recall, as a child, bonfires and cars burning every July on the television. 

Masked crowds hurtling petrol bombs, sash and bowler aggressively striding down the Garvaghy Road, rubber bullets pinging along the streets.