Councillor: We may have 'to tighten our security' after protestors stop meeting

Cork City Council had to abandon its meeting last night after an anti-water charge protester refused to leave the council chamber.

Diarmaid Ó Cadhla of the People’s Convention said he was protesting at a council’s decision to remove the group’s posters advertising an anti-water charges march.

Earlier, the group staged a sit-in and blocked access to the chamber for several hours in protest over the council’s decision.

Cork's Deputy Lord Mayor Kenneth O’Flynn, of Fianna Fáil, said they had given the Council a list of demands which they could not meet.

Mr O'Flynn said security may have to be tightened at future council meetings in light of the protest.

He said: "You know we fought very long and hard to use that chamber, we fought very long and hard to get the independence at a time when we're under attack from all sides about amalgamating cities and counties, we're very anxious to do business and to show that we can do our business.

"It may result in us having to tighten our security. As public officials, we wouold hate to see interest groups not being able to come in and see local democracy at its best."