Cork City Council meeting stormed by 80 Household Charge demonstrators

» Mark Moloney

Sinn Féin Councillor Chris O’Leary was asked by reporters if he condemned the protest. He replied: 'I condemn the state people are in at the moment'

PEOPLE ANGRY over demand letters sent out for the unfair Household Charge stormed Monday’s meeting of Cork City Council.

Gardaí were called to the City Hall after 80 protesters entered the council chamber chanting the slogan “No way, we won't pay!”

The meeting was delayed for more than 30 minutes as protesters made their opposition to the Household Charge and proposed water taxes known.

Fine Gael Mayor John Buttimer lashed out at the protesters, saying the council “would not succumb” to what he described as “mob rule”.

Sinn Féin and Socialist Party councillors refused to condemn the protest.

Sinn Féin Councillor Chris O’Leary (pictured right) was asked by reporters if he condemned the protest. He replied:

“I condemn the state people are in at the moment. I look at people who are barely surviving, people who’ve always paid their taxes, people who’ve bailed this country out, and they’re in a desperate state.”