Kildare Cllr Tom McDonnell Aims Blame At Gardai, Saying He Was "In the Front Line" During Citywest Riots

Thursday, 23 October 2025 09:44

By Martin Osborne - Head Of News

In a series of videos seen by Kfm, Cllr McDonnell accused the Justice Minister and Gardaí of being “confrontational” and claimed that “criminals” were being protected by the force.

Kildare Independent councillor Tom McDonnell has doubled down on claims that Gardaí and the Justice Minister are “placing criminals among the public” to advance what he alleges is a government agenda to introduce digital ID cards.

23 people were arrested during a second night of protests at Citywest, which resulted in two Garda members being injured.

In a series of videos seen by Kfm, Cllr McDonnell accused the Justice Minister and Gardaí of being “confrontational” and claimed that “criminals” were being protected by the force.

The councillor further alleged - without evidence - that the Government is attempting to push through a Digital ID system by provoking public unrest, suggesting that people would “kick back” and then be arrested.

In another video, Cllr McDonnell blamed the Justice Minister and Gardaí for causing the violence in Citywest, insisting that those present at the scene had been “peaceful.”

He said he was there “in the front line” and claimed the Government was seeking to “control people.”

His remarks come as Gardaí received praise from opposition politicians for their handling of the disturbances.

The violence, which Gardaí say was largely carried out by teenagers and young adult men, left two officers injured after bottles, bricks, and fireworks were thrown at police lines.

Over 300 Gardaí, including public order and mounted units, were deployed as the second night of disturbances broke out.

The Garda water cannon was placed on standby but was not used.