A property developer has appeared in court in connection with an incident in which a cement truck was driven into the gates of Leinster House yesterday morning.
Joe McNamara (41), originally from Achill Island, Co Mayo, but with an address at Dun Na Carraige, Salthill, Galway, was charged last night with one count of criminal damage.
The slogans "Toxic Bank Anglo", "€1,000,000 on golf balls" and "500K for golf" were displayed on the side of the truck, and its registration plate showed the word "bankrupt".
Mr McNamara appeared at Dublin District Court this morning wearing a cream-coloured corduroy jacket, a white shirt and jeans.
Sgt John Egan, a court presenter at the Criminal Courts of Justice, asked Judge Patrick McMahon to order that Mr McNamara stay away from Anglo Irish bank headquarters in St Stephens Green.
Mr McNamara's solicitor, Cahir O'Higgins, said his client very much asserted his innocence. He said Mr McNamara had a right under Article 46:1 of the Constitution to express his opinion and nothing more.
The judge refused to make an order to stop Mr McNamara stay away from Anglo's headquarters.
Mr McNamara was released on his own bond of €200 and on condition that he does not come to the attention of the gardaí. He is due to come before the court again on November 25th.
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