Solicitor in ‘sword’ spat with Ahern
The incident happened during a shopping centre walkabout in Limerick.
Armed gardaí minders moved in after John Devane, as independent candidate in Limerick East, drew the toy sword from a scabbard as the Taoiseach arrived at the Jetland shopping centre.
After a female garda took possession of the sword, Mr Devane followed the Taoiseach shouting: “Fall on your sword. Tell the truth.”
Mr Devane was prevented from a face-to-face confrontation by armed detectives and FF supporters.
When Mr Devane said he was a candidate, the Taoiseach responded: “Fair play to you John.”
Mr Devane then continued to harangue the Taoiseach, calling out: “You are a liar. Tell the people the truth. We are waiting long enough. When is he ever going to tell the truth?”
Former Fianna Fáil mayor of Limerick Councillor John Cronin at one point said to Mr Devane: “You have made your point. Will you go away now?”
After the incident, Mr Devane said that one of the Taoiseach’s armed minders told him the sword was an offensive weapon to which he replied: “It is a foam and plastic sword. What harm can I do with it? I feel like Excalibur without my sword.”
Mr Ahern continued with his walkabout, as Mr Devane tried to retrieve his sword.
Later, during a visit to Garryowen rugby club, Mr Ahern said the government was fully behind the Fitzgerald report on disadvantaged areas of Limerick city.
The Taoiseach said he wanted to consider tax incentives to attract industry into an industrial zone in the Moyross area.
He said that the drafting in of 100 extra gardaí to patrol specific deprived areas of the city is a priority and will commence shortly.
Mr Ahern said the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell has asked the Garda Commissioner to commence this process from the next class of recruits leaving Templemore college.
Mr Ahern backed earlier comments this week by a number of his ministers ruling out any government partnership involving Sinn Féin after the election.
He said: “The policies of Sinn Féin and the policies of Fianna Fáil are just diametrically opposite, so stability would not be possible.”
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