As the Tánaiste began to read his speech, the protesters were removed by Gardaí.
The opening of the Government's Consultative Forum on International Security at University College Cork has been interrupted by protesters.
Before Tánaiste Micheál Martin could make his opening remarks, a number of protestors shouted "No to NATO" and unfurled a red banner saying "NATO Wars. Millions Dead."
The Tánaiste then took to the podium and said: "The most undemocratic thing you can do is trying to shut down debate. And that's what you are trying to do."
As he began to read his speech, the protesters were removed by gardaí.
The opening remarks of the chair of the Consultative Forum, Professor Louise Richardson, were also interrupted.
A former Cork county councillor was removed from the auditorium by Gardaí.
“Your willingness to engage is the barometer of its success.”
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) June 22, 2023
Micheál Martin in a virtual shouting match with anti-war demonstrators at the Consultative Forum this morning. pic.twitter.com/a3lUh5EMBQ
Harry McGee - Political Correspondent with The Irish Times - says Gardaí were forced to intervene:
As they were escorted out of the lecture hall at UCC in Cork, the Tánaiste Micheál Martin bit back:
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