THE GARDA Síochána has confirmed that it is investigating an incident during which Labour MEP Proinsias De Rossa was knocked to the ground by a small group of anti-Lisbon Treaty protesters near Liberty Hall on Monday night.
Mr De Rossa suffered minor injuries in the incident. It occurred at about 10.30pm as he left a public meeting on the Lisbon Treaty, organised by his party.
The Dublin MEP was yesterday said to be very shaken by the incident, but would make no public comment.
However, Labour leader Éamon Gilmore yesterday condemned the incident, saying he was greatly shocked at what happened to Mr De Rossa.
Mr Gilmore also addressed the meeting but had left before the incident.
"When Proinsias De Rossa left the meeting at approximately 10.30pm, he was confronted by a group of men, some of whom had been present at the meeting and had spoken aggressively against the treaty," Mr Gilmore said. "One of the group shouted abuse at him through a loud-hailer.
"The group pursued Proinsias on the street. When he objected to being filmed by one of the group with a camcorder he was knocked to the ground and some of those involved sat on his back pinning him to the ground. The gardaí arrived and took statements from those involved. Proinsias suffered minor abrasions and is quite shaken by the assault."
Garda sources said that when Mr De Rossa was leaving Liberty Hall he became involved in an "altercation" with a number of people protesting outside. Some of those involved had video cameras and were recording those leaving the building.
Mr De Rossa and at least five protesters had an exchange of views. A scuffle ensued during which Mr De Rossa fell to the ground and grazed his hands.
Gardaí were called and when they arrived on the scene both sides involved in the incident made claims about the actions of the other. Gardaí took contact details from at least seven people at the scene.
Gardaí at Store Street will interview all involved and allow them to make a statement. Garda sources described the incident as "minor".
Mr de Rossa and Mr Gilmore were among the speakers at the public meeting attended by an estimated 120 people. Several people who were in attendance said the meeting was raucous and robust, with some strong anti-Lisbon interjections from the floor.
In particular, a small number of people in the audience persisted in video-recording the proceedings despite requests to stop.