An election candidate arrested while canvassing in Dublin appeared in court yesterday charged with a breach of public order.
Dr Peadar O'Grady (32), who works as a psychiatrist at St John of God children's hospital, and with an address at Cameron Square, Dublin, is a candidate for the Socialist Party in Dublin South East constituency.
Dublin District Court heard the defendant was arrested on Lower Rathmines Road, Dublin, last Saturday at 3.55 p.m. for failing to leave a public place when directed to by a garda.
Sergeant Anthony Burke said the defendant was later charged with common assault on a garda, disorderly conduct in a Garda station and threatening and abusive behaviour.
Defence solicitor, Mr Darn Robinson, said the defendant is anxious to have the case dealt with as soon as possible and not have it "hanging over him" during the election on June 6th.
However, Sergeant Burke said this would not be possible as a file had been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to an offence of failing to leave and the case was "not simple and straightforward".
Judge Murrough Connellan remanded the defendant on bail to appear again on May 28th.