Union protesters corralled like cattle

AS a member of the Communications Workers’ Union I took part in a march through Killarney to the hotel where Fianna Fáil held their árd fheis recently.

The purpose of the protest march was to highlight An Post’s non-payment to our members of our cost of living increase under ‘Sustaining Progress.’

When we reached the vicinity of the hotel, we were corralled like cattle on a grassy verge by the gardaí.

I would like to know by what authority does Bertie Ahern, as the leader of a political party, have the right to order gardaí to prevent members of my union from staging a peaceful demonstration outside a hotel where a political party is holding its AGM?

As far as I am concerned Fianna Fáil is no more entitled to use the Garda Siochána to provide security for their árd fheiseanna than a group of pensioners is entitled to garda security for a weekly bingo hall meeting.

What monumental arrogance from Mr Ahern and his party.

It was a deliberate waste of taxpayers’ money and a scandalous abuse of power.

John Dill

Dunmanus

Banduff

Ballyvolane

Cork