Small group Senator Malcolm Byrne's office targeted by anti-vax protesters

A philosophical Senator Malcolm Byrne issued a tweet in the form of a shrug today after his office was targeted by anti-vaccination protestors.

The Fianna Fail senator was not at his constituency office in Co Wexford when less than a dozen people showed up in Gorey at about 2.30pm this afternoon.

They didn’t say long and dispersed just after 4pm.

The senator, who had left before the protestors had arrived, was magnanimous towards them in tweet sent later.

Mr Byrne, who has spoken repeatedly in favour of vaccination, tweeted: “There was a small anti-vaccination protest at my office in Gorey today. I respect the right to peaceful protest.

“However, I will continue to speak out in support of science and of vaccination. #VaccinesWork and we need to take on those who spread fake news and disinformation.”

Senator Byrne’s party leader, Micheal Martin, as well as Leo Varadkar, Mary Lou McDonald and others have agreed to follow US President-elect, Joe Biden’s lead in offering to take the vaccine in front of a live TV audience to reassure the public.

A spokesman for Leo Varadkar said: “The Tánaiste would be very happy to get the vaccine and have it administered in public once it is approved by the EMA if that helps to reassure people that the vaccine is safe.

“However, he is also very conscious of the fact that he is not in a high-risk or priority group and therefore should not be prioritised over those who are.”

A Green Party spokesman said: “Minister Ryan will take the vaccine as soon as it is made available to him, based on the prioritisation determined by health officials.

Download the Sunday World app

Now download the free app for all the latest Sunday World News, Crime, Irish Showbiz and Sport. Available on Apple and Android devices

Online Editors