The Anti-Austerity Alliance says it has been prevented by gardaí from operating street or door to door collections in Tallaght, on the grounds that the proceeds would be used to encourage the commission of an unlawful act.

TD Paul Murphy has described the decision to reject their permit application as "incredible" and evidence of "a continuation of the political policing directed against the party."

The party claims the refusal comes from the Chief Superintendent who was responsible for policing the Jobstown protests last November led to the arrests of over 20 people, though this has not been verified.

Murphy says the party has been granted permits without issue for years in the area, and he believes it relates to the party's stance on water charges:

"The question has to be answered by the Gardai – what unlawful acts are being encouraged?

"One can only presume that it is a reference to the prominent call by the Anti-Austerity Alliance for mass non-payment of the water charges or else to the participation of AAA activists in anti-water charges protests."

Murphy says the party is taking legal advice on appeal the decision to the District Court.