Jim O'Callaghan

Why aren't the guards clearing this so we can get our products in?

So, like, had I not done anything about it, I think the criticism legitimately would have been much more.

I would have failed in my duty as Minister for Justice.

Like, it's not my job as Minister for Justice to, you know, to be thinking about how is this going to reflect favourably on me or not.

But I just have to say, since the Gardaí had requested the assistance of the Army, I thought it was the right, fair thing and the transparent thing to say it.

I don't have any regrets about it because it was true.

If it's the case to be now that journalists want me not to reveal what's actually happening, that would be surprising.

But had I not said anything about it, and then when the army trucks were seen moving in, inevitably people could have said,

Who ordered the army?

Why weren't we told this?

When was this decision made?

So, like, there were discussions about it.

You know, it was a difficult time.

I'll admit that to you.

It was certainly a difficult time.

But as Minister for Justice, I was the one responsible, politically responsible for the Gardaí.

Gardaí did an excellent job.

Commissioner did an outstanding job.

And what was really outstanding was that the blockades were ended without any injuries to the Gardaí or to the public.

That wasn't my intention.