McDowell defends handling of riot from barrage of Opposition attacks

THE Government yesterday strongly defended Garda handling of Saturday’s riot in Dublin, saying intelligence anticipated no more than 50 republicans would be involved in a peaceful protest on O’Connell Street.

Justice Minister Michael McDowell said what triggered the violence was the sudden appearance of 200-300 other people on the scene when gardaí tried to move the protestors.

“They suddenly massed from streets and public houses close by, and began to attack Garda officers with a range of missiles, including billiard balls, fireworks and smoke bombs. In the course of the rioting that followed, two petrol bombs were hurled at the gardaí,” he said.