Property tax protesters disrupt council meeting

Gardaí were called to a meeting of Cork City Council last night after protesters against the household charge and cuts to home help hours held up proceedings.

The protesters entered the galleries around 7.10pm and despite repeated warnings from Lord Mayor John Buttimer about disrupting the meeting, the group began chanting and displaying signs.

Mr Buttimer suspended the meeting and left the chamber. At this point, four protesters entered the chamber with one occupying the Lord Mayor’s chair. The protesters eventually left after gardaí were called. The meeting resumed after approximately 20 minutes.