Paul Murphy plays down personal boost from Jobstown controversy

Socialist Party TD Paul Murphy rejects the claim that the escalating row surrounding last November’s Jobstown controversy involving Tánaiste Joan Burton has effectively re-elected him to the Dáil.

The high-profile Irish Water protester insisted he was not happy with the prospect of being charged in relation to the incident “as obviously I don’t want to go to prison”, despite admitting the row has been a major boost to the anti-water campaign.

Speaking in a wide-ranging Irish Examiner interview, the Dublin South West TD said he expects to be charged later this week and that the potential move against him and 22 others is now a “key reason” people are supporting the national protests.