A man has appeared in court charged with using threatening and abusive language towards President Michael D Higgins.

The judge who last week jailed four Dublin water protesters has said the measure was a "last resort" and that the door of the court is open should they reconsider their position.

Three water charge protestors, who were jailed last week, are set to refuse fluids from today.

Some of the water charges protestors who were jailed earlier this week have gone on hunger strike.