Gardai over-reacted at protest: Higgins

Socialist Party TD Joe Higgins said he will be demanding an explanation from Justice Minister Michael McDowell after he was manhandled by gardaí during an anti-war protest outside the Dail last night.

Mr Higgins was dragged away from the gates of Leinster House after complaining that riot police were over-reacting to a sit-down blockade.

Two people were arrested for public order offences after the riot police cleared the protestors from the road.

"There was a complete over-reaction to what was a very disciplined, peaceful and well-ordered group of maybe 1,000 protestors," Mr Higgins said.