Mr Martin said "unelected and self-appointed people can't determine who gets oil, who gets to hospital, who gets to the Rotunda (Hospital) via O'Connell Street". Mr Martin said there is a need to "protect the rights of people" in terms of access to hospitals, work and business. "Blockades are not a legitimate form of protest," he said, adding that there are "fundamental" public order and legal issues. Mr Martin denied that the protestors have had a "consistent" message throughout the week and pushed back against claims that he was not listening to their concerns. We believe it should end," he said, adding that Government is willing to have a "sensible" conversation with all concerned.

Source: Irish Independent April 10, 2026 09:01 UTC