Sir, – A disservice has been done to the anti-water charges cause by those protesters in Finglas, with their reprehensible treatment of President Michael D Higgins (“President called ‘midget parasite’ by protesters”, January 28th). What diminishing public goodwill was remaining after protesters barricaded Tánaiste Joan Burton inside her car for hours in November is now surely nearing the point of total evaporation.

It would make for an interesting social experiment to see how those same protesters would react were they to witness a mob from beyond these shores spewing bile at the Irish head of state. It doesn’t seem overly presumptuous to think that their nationalistic colours might start to show at that point.

Rather than attempting to retrieve some respectability for his cause, Paul Murphy TD went on to further sully its reputation by defending the baying mob. Mr Murphy is right in saying that people should have the right to protest. However, there is nothing civilised about trying to intimidate a 73-year-old man, who had no option but to sign the water charges Bill because there was nothing unconstitutional about it.

Far be it from me to be an apologist for the Government, but nothing in recent months has swayed me more towards the argument in favour of water charges than seeing protesters chasing after our nation’s President, shouting “parasite”, “traitor” and “midget”. For shame. – Yours, etc,

JOHN HOGAN,

Ballyneety,

Co Limerick.

A chara, – Although I find the personal insults offered to President Higgins distasteful, I do not see why ordinary citizens who indulge in this behaviour are to be criticised when day after day we witness our political leaders indulging in the same invective and ad hominem attacks in Leinster House. When people see the often venomous and childish behaviour of our Ministers, TDs and Senators, are they not to be forgiven for assuming that they too can behave in a similar fashion?

When people are aggrieved – as many undoubtedly have been by the Government’s implementation of austerity – they have a right to protest. Personal insults, however distasteful (be they made by patrician or plebeian), do not make a protest violent nor do they delegitimise the valid grievance being protested about.

If our political leaders and sections of the media wish the citizens of this country engage in political debate without insults being bandied about, they should take the initiative and practice what they preach. – Is mise,

BREANDÁN Ó CORRÁIN,

Kinsale,

Co Cork.

Sir, – The gardaí that stood on duty in Finglas last Thursday to protect our President Michael D Higgins are to be commended for their patience and professionalism in dealing with the vile and disgusting behaviour of a few. – Yours, etc,

COLM McAREE,

Enniscorthy,

Co Wexford.

Sir, – The President is the first citizen and represents us all, outside of politics. What do the water protesters gain by insulting Mr Higgins, with such vicious personal vitriol? I am disgusted by their actions.

Is it a case of publicity at any price, especially with shock tactics?

By abusing the President, they insult all the citizens of the State. It does their cause no good whatsoever. – Yours, etc,

CHRIS RYAN,

Dublin 2.