Environment Minister Phil Hogan booed at All-Ireland winners' homecoming

» Mark Moloney

It is believed to be the first time that a TD or minister has been booed at an All-Ireland homecoming

ENVIRONMENT MINISTER Phil Hogan was booed in front of 20,000 people on Monday night during the homecoming for All-Ireland hurling champions Kilkenny at Nowlan Park.

Hogan, who has been a TD for the Carlow/Kilkenny constituency since 1989 and hails from the hurling stronghold of Tullaroan, received the only boos of the night as he, other politicians and local representatives gathered for the civic reception ahead of the players' arrival.

Following the introduction of two other TDs, both of whom received warm applause, a chorus of boos and jeers rang out as Phil Hogan took to the stage.

It is believed to be the first time that a TD or minister has been booed at an All-Ireland homecoming.

People there said the Minister tried to ignore the jeering and by joking with other TDs and Kilkenny players.

Coverage of the homecoming on RTÉ TV News did not feature Hogan and the report failed to mention that the Environment Minister was jeered by a large section of the crowd. RTÉ Radio, Newstalk and others did highlight the public anger.

The Environment Minister has been heavily criticised for his introduction of a flat-rate €100 household charge and a septic tank charge. Both have been hugely unpopular with more than 40% of homeowners not registering for the household charge while less than 10% have registered for the septic tank charge.