'Extreme left' cited in protest as republicans were observed, says garda commissioner

Gardaí are forced to draw batons as a lockdown protest tried to break through barriers at St Stephen's Green, Dublin. Fireworks and bottles where thrown up Grafton Street before the crowd marched around the city centre before finishing at the GPO. Picture: Sam Boal

Sightings of known republican figures among the violent clashes in Dublin city centre over the weekend are why Garda commissioner Drew Harris said he incorrectly said "extreme left" factions were involved in the melee.

Commissioner Harris was forced to clarify comments he made on Saturday night that left-wing activists were involved in the demonstration, which turned violent and ended up with three gardaí injured and 23 people arrested.