Protesters confront Taoiseach

A father of three accused Taoiseach Enda Kenny of forcing emigration on his children.

Peadar Doyle confronted Mr Kenny as he arrived at the Golden Island Shopping Centre in Athlone, Co Westmeath, to campaign for a yes vote in the upcoming fiscal treaty referendum.

“Back in 1958, I was forced out of this country. You are now forcing my children and my grandchildren out of this country,” said Mr Doyle.

“I’m not forcing anybody out,” Mr Kenny responded. “Don’t make a charge like that on me. They are leaving, unfortunately. We are trying to rectify that.”

Mr Doyle’s son Simon works in Wales. His other son, Richard, who attends college in Waterford, is considering emigration, and Mr Doyle fears his daughter Mary may also have to leave after she completes her Leaving Cert this year.

Mr Doyle urged Mr Kenny not to allow Angela Merkel “shrink our economy anymore” and said he wouldn’t be “sold to the Germans”.

“We won’t be sold to anybody, we are well able to stand on our own two feet,” Mr Kenny replied.