THE Government last week misjudged the public who remained supportive of the fuel protests despite the inconvenience caused to them, according to a West Cork councillor.

Cllr Alan Coleman (Ind) sought a suspension of standing orders at a meeting of the local authority this week to discuss the fuel protests.

The discussion came one day before the Dáil vote that saw Michael Healy Rae resign as a minister.

‘I believe the Government inflamed the situation by the arrogant reaction from the Government leadership,’ he said. ‘The Government misjudged the public mood which despite the huge inconvenience remained supportive of the protest.

‘Failure to engage early was a failure of political judgement. These protesters are hardworking people and no attempt was made to engage with then even through back channels.’

He added that the ‘cracks’ that are appearing in middle Ireland will not be easily papered and said he has no confidence in the Government.

Cllr Finbarr Harrington (Ind) said the protests were not just about petrol or diesel.

‘They are about the pressure, frustration and a growing sense that ordinary people are being stretched to their limits. For many families rising fuel costs are not an inconvenience, they are a burden which affects every part of daily life,’ he said.

‘What we are seeing in these protests is not anger for the sake of it, it is people asking to be heard. It is people saying: enough is enough.’

He pointed out that the farmers and local contractors ‘clear roads, rescue neighbours’ during floods and storms. ‘These are the very people now standing at the roadside in protest. The very people who show up when the country needs them most are now asking for support themselves.’

Cllr Ann Bambury (SD) said ‘confidence is very much shook’ adding: ‘I have no confidence in this Government and the past week has brought a lot to the fore.’

Cllr Daniel Sexton (Ind Ire) said the events were handled terribly by Micheál Martin and his comments only added fuel to the fire.

His colleague, Cllr John Collins said that what happened last week was ‘disgraceful’ and said the Government hasn’t shown leadership at all.

Cllr Peter O’Donoghue (Aon) said that pepper spray was the first engagement the Government had with the protesters, while Cllr John Buckley (Ind) said a peaceful protest turned into a nightmare for those at Whitegate.

‘The Gardaí went in with pepper spray and that’s a new low for our country. These were the people who went in and helped when Midleton was flooded,’ he said.

However, a later vote in the chamber to express no confidence in the Government’s handling of the fuel protests was defeated by 20 votes to 16 with three councillors abstaining.