Catherine Byrne, Fine Gael TD for Dublin South-Central has been at the receiving end of a lot abuse lately. Last March, Sinn Fein protesters climbed on to the roof of Catherine’s office and caused damage to slates. Another mob arrived at her home and started chanting.

Last Monday a mob from the Campaign against Household and water charges, burst into her office and illegally occupied it, while Catherine was dealing with constituents. One of the protesters in act of incredible stupidity saw fit to bring a young child.

Everyone has the right to protest in a democracy. But this wasn’t a protest it was an attempt at intimidation.

When is a protest not a protest……..