"The fu**ing dregs decide not to finish it": former advisor to Joan Burton "not proud" of language during protest

At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Karen O'Connell, a former special advisor to Labour TD Joan Burton, gave evidence in the trial of Solidarity TD Paul Murphy and six other defendants. The seven men, including South Dublin councillors Michael Murphy and Kieran Mahon, have pleaded not guilty to charges of falsely imprisoning Ms Burton and Ms O'Connell by restricting their liberty without consent at Jobstown, Tallaght on 15 November 2014. During cross-examination, Ms O'Connell was questioned about language she used during the water charges protest, which was captured on video. She stated she was not proud of the remarks made and acknowledged using strong language while in a stressful situation after being confined in a car for three and a half hours. The court was shown video clips from both women's mobile phones. Ms O'Connell denied the language reflected contempt for protesters, explaining it referred to the conclusion of the demonstration. She maintained she believed in peaceful protest and had previously participated in the Shell to Sea campaign in County Mayo.