Taoiseach Simon Harris is calling for a Garda investigation into scuffles that broke out during his canvass in Mayo yesterday.

A Garda was hit on the back of the head during the canvass in Castlebar and the Taoiseach was pushed and jostled by a small number of people.

A spokesperson for the Taoiseach said what happened in Mayo “was not protest”.

“It was thuggery,” they said.

“The Taoiseach would like to thank An Garda Siochana for their professionalism.

“A member of An Garda Siochana was hit during the scenes and the Taoiseach was pushed and jostled by a small number of people.”

Garda investigation

The incident was “not representative” of what had otherwise been a “really healthy canvass,” according to the spokesperson.

“Although it was a very small number of people, today’s behaviour cannot be accepted and should never be normalised and a full Garda investigation should be carried out,” they said.

“The people of Mayo were warm and welcoming today and the Taoiseach really enjoyed meeting so many people across much of the county and thanks them for their time.”

The Taoiseach had been canvassing with Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh and former Taoiseach Enda Kenny in Castlebar.

A canvass by Taoiseach Simon Harris in Castlebar, Co Mayo was interrupted by Enoch Burke’s family earlier today @IrishMirror pic.twitter.com/b6teATFRmz

— Louise Burne (@louiseburne_) June 2, 2024

Despite the incident, the Taoiseach is calling on everyone to go out and vote in the local elections this Friday.

He said to expect a Garda presence at polling stations across the State.

“We often have plans in place in relation to polling day and people will often see a Garda presence there at times,” he said.

“People will see Garda around polling stations; democracy is important, it really matters.

“We live in a country that has one of the longest-lasting and longest enduring democracies and we value that.”

Taoiseach Simon Harris in the courtyard at Government Buildings, 25-4-24. Image: Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ie