Gardaí delay decision on charges against water protesters

Gardaí have yet to decide on how to proceed with charges against up to 25 water charge protesters, including TD Paul Murphy, three weeks after they got directions from the DPP to prosecute.

It comes as senior gardaí yesterday played down reports of a “spying” operation, led by the commissioner’s husband, on water charge demonstrators, including Mr Murphy.

The Socialist Party TD, along with two party deputies, have written to Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald demanding clarification on the existence and purpose of the police unit.