Kenny claims violent Corrib protests are orchestrated by ‘outside forces’

FINE Gael leader Enda Kenny has condemned the protestors who engaged in violent clashes with the garda at the site of the proposed Corrib gas terminal last Friday.

Claiming the violence was orchestrated by “outside forces,” he said those involved were tying up significant garda resources at a time when they are badly needed elsewhere.

It is the strongest intervention yet by the Mayo TD on arguably the most controversial issue in his constituency, and is unlikely to win him favour with the protestors, who want Shell to refine the gas offshore.

Whereas Mr Kenny had previously been perceived as reluctant to get drawn into the affair, his comments place him in agreement with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, who said on Friday that the rule of law has to be implemented in relation to the protests.

On Saturday, Mr Kenny addressed the annual conference to the Technical, Engineering and Electrical Union and delivered a speech addressing immigration, public services and energy issues.

In separate comments made at the conference, he said he had heard “shocking reports” about the activities of some of the protestors at Bellanaboy.

“I fully respect the right of people to lawful protest. However, those involved have a clear responsibility to respect the right of people to go to work. What occurred [on Friday] goes far beyond peaceful protest,” he said.

“The safety of both the gardaí and protestors is being put at risk and it appears that this violence is being orchestrated by outside forces. I call on those members of the local community who are engaged in peaceful protest to disassociate themselves from the troublemakers.”

His references to “outside forces” will be seen as an allusion to Sinn Féin, which justice minister Michael McDowell has already accused of orchestrating the clashes.

Reacting to Mr McDowell’s comments, Sinn Féin TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin said they were “scare tactics” designed to deceive the public.

“To try to portray that campaign and [Friday’s] protest as being orchestrated by Gerry Adams, Martin McGuinness and myself is absurd,” he said.