Did the Leader notice what happened last weekend when a very strong and well conducted protest by the Dublin trade unions was interfered with and heckled by a small group of people?

Is the Senator seeking a debate?

I want to make this point. Extreme left-wing groups have taken to the streets over the years. They love the street theatre; we give them all the time in the world and they can have their say.

Having got that leeway, if other organisations such as the trade unions, who are a responsible group of people, want to have a street protest, they do not want them to have a say and they heckle them. That, to me, is fascism. I think Mr. Jack O'Connor, the president of ICTU, is quite right when he condemns that type of fascist activity. The trade unions have done the State great service. In recent years they have been pulling their weight in bringing about the economic recovery. They are entitled to go on the streets and have their protest, the same as anybody else.