Reporters intimidated as ‘Slab’ left polling station: NUJ
According to the NUJ, journalists had vehicle registration numbers taken by unidentified supporters of the convicted tax evader.
NUJ general secretary Seamus Dooley urged gardaí to investigate the matter, which allegedly occurred as Mr Murphy voted in Hackballscross before being jailed at the non-jury Special Criminal Court.
While covering the scenes, two photographers and a reporter from national newspapers were blocked from getting out of a car.
The men, who were not identified, leaned against car doors, preventing them from being opened.
Other individuals warned photographers and camera crew not to record any images, before taking photographs of the journalists and their car registration numbers.
While casting his own vote, Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said he was unaware of the incident but said journalists should not be “impeded”.
Murphy’s conviction at the non-jury court was an issue which dominated large parts of the election campaign.
Most parties yesterday declined to comment.
Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil said they would not be commenting.
In a statement issued through the Labour press office, party senator Máiría Cahill said that “justice has finally caught up with this notorious individual”.
“For many years there have been substantial allegations that he is at the heart of republican activity, criminal and otherwise, in south Armagh.”
