Taoiseach Simon Harris branded the outbursts and interference that caused a media address in Castlebar to be abandoned on Sunday afternoon as “thinly disguised hooliganism”. Harris was scheduled to hold a press conference at Market Square in the county town of Mayo at 15:30, following an earlier event in Charlestown, where he had inaugurated a memorial pitch and walkway in the honour of slain policeman Colm Horkan.
During the event, the Taoiseach was joined by the Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, Midlands-North West European election candidate Maria Walsh, Mayo TD Michael Ring and former Taoiseach Enda Kenny, as well as local FG councillor Ger Deere, while the ensemble faced vocal backlash and were shouted and yelled at by the crowd, causing distress to the media as well.
The vocalised concerns primarily revolved around immigration issues and ongoing detention of local tutor Enoch Burke. Safety issues prompted the cancellation of the scheduled press meet, which was relocated to the Islandeady GAA Club car park, approximately three miles away, later in the afternoon.
In response to questions regarding the earlier disruption in Castlebar, Harris stated: “A part of the unrest came from individuals engaging in poorly disguised hooliganism, unassociated with migrant policies.”
Among those who challenged the Taoiseach was Sean Burke, the incarcerated teacher Enoch Burke’s father. Speaking on Enoch Burke’s case, Harris commented: “We live in a nation where government and courts function independently. Compliance with court rules is a fundamental principle of democracy. For me to comment on a court ruling would be entirely improper. Anyone with such expectations of a Taoiseach doesn’t grasp how the Irish Constitution functions.
“Protest is a crucial element of democracy. But there’s a line between protest and a clear intent to…perhaps…create substantial disruption…”
The Taoiseach reassured that he would not be perturbed by such agitations, remarking, “Shaking my resolve requires considerable effort.”
In a quick round of questions and answers taking place at a modified venue, he was queried about a recent viewpoint survey indicating a decreasing backing for Sinn Féin. When questioned whether this drop might speed up the upcoming general election’s timeline, he barred any speculations.
He emphasized his indifference towards polls and reiterated his unchanged stance on the scheduling of the imminent general election. “We, as a government, have an abundant load of tasks to accomplish. The plan around the scheduling of the subsequent general election hasn’t taken a deviation. I’ve made an effort to embark on delivering progress on several matters from the get-go.”
The Taoiseach expressed optimism, signifying that the choices made in the past few weeks were gaining traction with societies throughout the nation. He alleged that electors were wading “through the noise and negativity” pertaining to Sinn Féin, challenging the party leader on the completion of their “empty” pledges.