The Twenty-Six County state has secured the first convictions in relation to the collapse of the private banking sector - in the form of two men who had the cheek to publicly oppose the bank bailout scheme.
The two activists, John McCusker and Pádraig Ó Meiscill were convicted on Tuesday (January 18) in the Criminal Courts of Justice at Parkgate Street, Dublin of public order offences relating to a peaceful protest at Anglo Irish Headquarters on May 15 last year. They are scheduled to reappear before the court to have sentencing confirmed next Tuesday [January 25]. Both will be appealing their convictions.
The trial of five other éirígí activists, which was also due to commence yesterday, was adjourned. Ursula Ní Shionnain, Daithi Ó Riain, Robbie Fox and Eoin Ó Se, the four activists arrested after unveiling a banner from the roof of theporch of the bank, have had their trial on charges of trespass adjourned until April 14 as a result of Garda witnesses not appearing in court.
Daithí Mac An Mháistír's case was also adjourned when defence request for a different judge to hear his case was aceeded to. He is now set to stand trial on May 9 for public order offences also related to the protest.
For more on the background to this case log onto
http://www.eirigi.org/latest/latest160510.html
http://www.eirigi.org/latest/latest190111.html