Martin hits out at 'incoherent' protesters who were removed during forum speech in Cork

Mr Martin engaged with the protesters telling them: "The most undemocratic thing you can do is try to shut down debate which is what you're trying to do."

Protesters interrupt Micheál Martin's speech. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

A four-day forum on security and defence policy has begun in Cork, with five protesters being escorted from the opening address.

Gardaí removed the protesters from the first session of the Consultative Forum on International Security Policy in Cork after they interrupted Tánaiste Micheál Martin's speech.