Coppinger trying to lead a mob, says Kenny

Enda Kenny accused anti-water charge Socialist TD Ruth Coppinger of attempting to “lead a mob” as he refused to call for the release of protesters from jail.

The Taoiseach made the accusation during a Dáil debate about the jailing of four of the five water-charge protesters, who breached court injunctions.

Mr Kenny said he recognised the authority of the courts. He accused Deputy Coppinger of “inviting” people to break the law.

However, Ms Coppinger said there would be a massive boycott of water bills in April and May. She asked why bankers had not been jailed and “peaceful” protesters were. “Is there any law at all for the rich in this country?” asked the Dublin West TD.

She defended recent anti-water-charge protests, saying civil disobedience was a “vital method” in challenging laws. She called on Mr Kenny to end “the criminalising” of protesters.

She also claimed that up to 30 gardaí had been in a small lane in Rialto, Dublin, this week during the installation of water meters.

Mr Kenny argued peaceful protest was a part of democracy, but contempt of court was not. “These people knew very well what they were doing. They wanted to be in contempt of court, as far as I can assess.”

He also told the TD: “If you want political leadership then do not attempt to lead a mob.”

The protesters can free themselves by undertaking to abide by court orders not to interfere with meter installers, a High Court judge said yesterday, after a stay of committal was put on the fifth man, jailed in his absence, after he wrote agreeing to abide by the orders.