Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has described the outcome of the trial of a teenager, who was involved in the protest against former Tánaiste Joan Burton in Jobstown two years ago, as completely absurd.

Deputy Crowe said;

“In my view, it is completely absurd to actually believe that the former Tánaiste was falsely imprisoned. I don’t think anybody really believes that.

“Yet, we have a teenager from my community who has been dragged through the courts on a spurious charge.

“It is a disgrace that such time and resources have gone into prosecuting this teenager.

“Of course all protests and political activity should be conducted in a peaceful manner but political representatives have to accept that at times the decisions we make may not be popular.

“The former Tánaiste and the state has been way over the top and chose to pursue course of action that could have serious consequences for this young man.

“Sinn Féin would like to express our solidarity with the young man and his family today.”