Eamonn Farrell’s Post

You made the right choice, Eamonn. Sometimes, you gotta know when to fold them! On a related note, I have asked my union, the NUJ, to call these people out when they label themselves as journalists. Like wrapping the national flag around themselves, allowing them parity of esteem by saying nothing only further enables the spread of disinformation and misinformation. As the Song of Choice puts it: 'The weeds are all around us and they're growing...' In the instance you so graphically illustrate here, sometimes you have to make a decision when it comes to standing your ground. You were right to walk away against such overwhelming odds.

It is at times like this, that you need to talk to them, ask them their point of view, and ask if it's OK to photograph them, and they don't need to show their faces.. try to get them on your side, It does work 9 times out of 10.

Right call, they didn't win. Your professionalism did. And agree with Douglas Dalby, NUJ needs to look at this issue as a matter of urgency, as do the powers that be in general!

You are doing great work Eamonn. The NUJ press card is recognised by the relevant authorities. I'm not sure if other staff IDs are. I remember a lady from rte told me that she would never need to join the NUJ as she had her rte id.

Eamonn: right and smart decision; what you do is very important. Legislatively and institutionally, for all our immense progress as a society, we’ve allowed a vacuum develop which these lowlives are able to exploit. The need for a positive, coordinated and transparent approach to the opportunity as well as the responsibility increased levels of immigration brings is long evident. Policy makers aren’t listening. Keep doing what you do Eamonn

It should be illegal to wear masks at protests unless it's for health reasons.

You made the right decision on this occasion, Eamonn. It's time to call out these self styled 'citizen journalists' - with one notable moment during the week when Gardai told one of them, 'You're not a journalist'. There IS a role for the NUJ but also for the policing authorities, who are entitled to ask for ID. Photo journalists and TV crews in particular, are easily recognisable. I hope it's not getting to the stage, as in some foreign conflict zones, where companies have to routinely provide 'minders'. Journalists are entitled to do their jobs covering events in public without intimidation or the threat of being assaulted.

Thank you Eamonn for highlighting these difficult issues, and for demonstrating the way you deal with them! This is important, as it gives other journalists an example to follow, and helps to underline the severity of the problem. Journalism, and importantly journalists, need protecting if we want to continue living in a democracy and a truth-seeking society. Keep up the great work!

Perhaps now if government had a bit of common sense they would move some of these centres into more wealthier areas???Show solidarity with the working class areas.Plenty in wealthier areas pontificating so lets see them house them in their cosy little neighbourhoods???The violence and threatening behaviour has to be condemned by all.

These fascist style bigots should not be allowed to prevent a free press. We live in a democracy and the gardai should be more proactive in dealing with these thugs.