Paul Hosford: Is the Garda approach to migrant protests emboldening the protesters?

If you are told that you can use blockades without fear of any legal repercussions, why wouldn't you do it?

Tractors and bales of hay were used to block access to Magowna House Hotel, Co Clare, in a protest that was as rudimentary as it was effective. Picture: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie

There is a particular type of dread that many who drive a car will know.

You're pulling up to a Garda checkpoint and you're convinced you've done something wrong. The tax is in date, right? You did your NCT a few months ago, you remember putting the insurance disc in yourself, your license is in the glovebox, and you haven't had a drink.