Politicians to be charged over Irish Water protest involving Tánaiste

Gardaí have been given the green light to bring serious charges against three politicians, including Paul Murphy TD, in connection with the water charges protest involving Tánaiste Joan Burton last November.

The DPP has instructed that more than 20 people are to be charged on indictment in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

They include colleagues of Mr Murphy in the Anti-Austerity Alliance, Tallaght councillors Mick Murphy and Kieran Mahon.

The development is expected to reignite political controversy, particularly when the election campaign gears up with the return of the Dáil next month.

The prosecutions mean Ms Burton will be a ‘star witness’ in cases going to trial.

It is considered unlikely that any trials will be held before the election, as there is currently a 10-month waiting list for trials in Dublin Circuit Court.

The Garda files followed a detailed investigation into the water charges protest at Jobstown, Tallaght, on November 15, which saw Ms Burton and her adviser, Karen O’Connell, trapped by protesters in their car for more than two hours.

It led to the arrest last February of up to 37 people by gardaí, who faced accusations from the AAA of “political policing” and of “criminalising” elected politicians and the anti-water charges campaign.

The investigation team at Tallaght Garda Station submitted its files to the DPP last March, recommending that eight people, including the three politicians, face charges of false imprisonment and violent disorder.

False imprisonment is the more serious offence and can, in theory, attract a sentence of up to life following conviction on indictment.

Anyone convicted on indictment for violent disorder can face a fine or a prison term not exceeding 10 years, or both.

It is understood the DPP has instructed that Mr Murphy, TD for Dublin South West, face one charge — it is not yet clear if it is for false imprisonment, violent disorder, or another offence. It is not known what charge the two councillors face.

In total, the 20-plus people will face at least 24 counts between them. It is understood some may be charged with assault or criminal damage.

The decision by the DPP to direct charges will be seen, particularly within An Garda Síochána and Government, as an independent vindication of their approach.

It will be up to local Garda management to decide how to proceed with the charges: whether by arrest at home; by invitation to attend a Garda station; or by way of summons to appear in court.