Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris has said that a proposed investigation into the media’s coverage of last week’s fuel protests was “not appropriate.”
This was in response to Minister for Media, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan’s suggestion on Monday to investigate media coverage of the ongoing protests as “balanced or skewed.”
The National Union of Journalists described such an investigation as “sinister.”
The Tánaiste explained that these types of issues should be dealt with by Ireland’s independent media regulator Coimisiún na Meáin, saying “I certainly don’t think there’s any need for any sort of formal review.”
The Assistant General Secretary of the National Union of Journalists, Seamus Dooley, called on Minister O’Donovan to reflect on his comments, saying “The minister’s behaviour across a number of radio stations was unacceptable. He called into question the professionalism of local and national media journalists.”
On Tuesday evening, the Government successfully survived a motion of no confidence following its response to last week’s protests. The Government won 92 to 78.
However, Independent TD for Kerry, Michael Healy-Rae resigned from his post as Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture. Deputy Healy-Rae said “I believe this Government have let the people of Ireland down, I will be voting no confidence in the leader of the country, and I will be tendering my resignation as Minister of State from now.”
Deputy Healy-Rae was one of many politicians to come out in support of the protests, which seemed to originate in Facebook groups such as “The People of Ireland Against Fuel Prices”
This group has been active for longer than many may think, though, having first been created on Facebook in October 2021 under the name “Irish Truckers & Haulage Association Against Fuel Prices.”
The group rebranded in March 2022, one month after the Russian invasion of Ukraine triggered a sharp rise in fuel costs, becoming “The People of Ireland Against Fuel Prices Protest.”
A meeting in Portlaoise that same month, attended by approximately 350 people, is understood to have acted as a precursor to the current nationwide protests. Demonstrations have since been organised through meetings and private WhatsApp groups.
According to The Irish Times, the group’s Facebook page is managed by tow truck operator Sonny Boyd.
Despite its original name, the group has no connection to the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA), a long established representative body. Prior to the name change, the group was not officially recognised, despite appearing similar in name.
In 2021, Fleet.ie described a protest organised by the group as unofficial, referring to it as a “fringe group” with “nothing to do with the Irish Road Haulage Association.”
The IRHA has continued to distance itself from the protests, confirming it will not participate while engaged in negotiations with government.
It met with the Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien on April 3 to discuss measures to ease pressure on hauliers, stating it would not take part in protest action while negotiating “in good faith.”
Since confirming last week’s demonstrations, the Facebook group has shared AI-generated images on social media and dismissed reporting by The Irish Independent as “government established media.”
The article detailed tax judgements and an animal cruelty case involving protest organiser James Geoghegan, who has acted as a spokesperson since protests began. Responding, he said “As of today, it’s up to date. They actually owe me money, would you believe?”
Independent Ireland TD Richard O’Donoghue has voiced support for the protesters, describing the situation as “desperate” on Ireland AM. He called for fuel price caps, proposing €1 for green diesel and kerosene, €1.70 for white diesel, and €1.60 for petrol, with no tax applied beyond €1.70.
Dáil interest reports show he is the sole owner of Richard O’Donoghue Construction Ltd in Ballingarry, Co Limerick.
Government engagement has focused on recognised organisations.
A meeting last Friday involving Energy Minister Darragh O’Brien, Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon, Minister of State Timmy Dooley, and representatives from the IRHA, the Irish Farmers Association and the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association did not include members of the protest group, which is considered unofficial.