A Sinn Fein Councillor has called for the immediate release of four water charge protesters who were jailed yesterday.

Two of the protesters were handed 28 day sentences for breaching a court order not to obstruct water meter installations, while another two were jailed for 56 days.

Mr Justice Paul Gilligan imposed 28 day sentences on three protesters - Bernie Hughes of McKelvey Avenue, Finglas; Michael Batty of Edenmore Avenue, Raheny; and Derek Byrne of Streamville Road, Donaghmede.

He put a stay on Mr Batty's sentence, as he is out of the country.

He imposed 56 day sentences on Damien O'Neill of Greenwood Park in Coolock; Paul Moore of Mount Olive Grove in Kilbarrack, who were previously found guilty of contempt.

The judge earlier found there was insufficient evidence against two other protesters.

Mr Justice Gilligan said the actions of the protesters in north Dublin last December were 'cowardly' and amounted to harassment of GMC Sierra employees.

There were shouts from supporters of "no way, we won't pay" as the protesters were led away to prison.

Some 100 anti-water charges protesters converged outside the GPO in Dublin yesterday evening.

The case was brought by GMC Sierra, who say their employees have experienced a campaign of harassment and intimidation since last summer.

But Sinn Fein Councillor Ciarán O'Moore is condemning the jailing of these protesters.

Bernie Hughes spoke to reporters before entering the court yesterday: