TD: Collection permit refusal evidence of ‘political policing’

A senior garda has reminded Anti-Austerity Alliance TD Paul Murphy that previous water protests involving his party resulted in public order arrests, including of party members, as they were refused a collection permit.

Chief Superintendent Orla McPartlin said she expected further offences would be committed if there were any future AAA demonstrations.

The divisional officer for Dublin South made the comments in a letter to Mr Murphy in which she reaffirmed her decision not to grant a collection permit to the AAA, stating that she believed the proceeds would be used to encourage an unlawful act.