Man who attempted to set himself on fire remanded

A 43-year-old homeless man arrested during an incident outside Government Buildings on Thursday has been remanded in custody for one week.

The arrest was made after a protester threatened to set himself on fire.

Mr Edward Cunningham, who is of no fixed abode, was charged at Dublin District Court with producing a flask of petrol and a cigarette lighter during the course of a dispute at Merrion Street Upper, in Dublin 2.

Garda Inspector Dan Flavin of Pearse Street station told District Court President Judge Miriam Malone that he was objecting to bail.

Mr Cunningham, who was dressed in blue hooded top, navy trousers with black and white runners, remained silent during a bail hearing in which the judge said the media should show sensitivity in reporting of the case.

Judge Malone told defence solicitor Ms Alice O’Reilly that she was not refusing bail. However, she said that the offence alleged was serious and she was remanding him in custody to Cloverhill Prison to appear again next Friday.

She said that this was for the purpose of a medical examination and treatment if deemed necessary, and for the question of his medical difficulties to be addressed.