Paul Murphy protest remarks trigger outrage

Anti-austerity TD Paul Murphy has been condemned from across the political spectrum for insisting the President is a legitimate target for protest.

After comments he made to the Irish Examiner sparked a political firestorm, Government and opposition parties united to defend the special status of the office of President.

The controversy erupted after a video emerged of anti-water charge protesters chasing after the President’s car and verbally abusing Michael D Higgins as he left a school.