The Tánaiste says he was expecting a demonstration at today’s security forum in the city but says those involved overstepped the mark.
Micheál Martin was speaking at a Consultative Forum on International Security at UCC today after being heckled during his opening speech.
Protesters in the auditorium chanted “shame on you” and held up a banner that said “NATO wars, millions dead,” before they were removed.
A statement from the eleven pro-neutrality groups has accused the government of substituting a Citizens Assembly with forums like today's so it can “achieve the outcome it desires”.
Speaking to RedFM News, Tánaiste Micheál Martin says the protest was an effort to stop the forum from carrying out its work.
"I would invite anybody to look at the subsequent discussion of the panel - there's nothing to be afraid of in this debate.
"The chair of the forum went to the audience afterwards, there were different perspectives in the audience and they were facilitated in articulating their views.
"People online who put in questions, they were facilitated by the chair as well, so there was no need for that in the beginning of this at all."
