Assaults on gardaí during farmers’ protest

A NUMBER of gardaí were assaulted as they tried to protect the Agriculture Minister from angry farmers protesting at cuts in grants.

Brendan Smith was forced to run the gauntlet yesterday as nearly 1,000 farmers from across Munster held a protest outside an agricultural co-op in Co Cork that he was visiting.

As the ministerial cortege approached the Carbery Milk Products plant in Ballineen, some farmers kicked his car and more smashed placards off it. After the minister was safely inside the plant, farmers continued to protest outside.