Intimidation attacks on journalists are “absolutely despicable,” according to the Taoiseach.

It follows a video shared widely on social media last week showing an RTÉ journalist confronted at a protest in Newtownmountkennedy.

Simon Harris said a free press is valuable to society and it shouldn’t be threatened by intimidation.

“Any intimidation tactics against journalists are absolutely despicable,” he said.

“We live in a county where we have a free and robust media, I value it and I feel people value it, it’s really important and I’ll always stand up for the right to a free press.

“I don’t think we should allow a small number of people to suggest we’ve changed who we are as a people.”

'Overwhelmingly decent people'

The Taoiseach said most Irish people are decent.

“I’m out nearly every day meeting people in a non-organised manner, walking into restaurants, cafes, talking to people, and my overall perception of Irish people is decency,” he said.

“That includes people who agree with me, people who don’t agree with me; people who would vote for me, “people who would never vote for me – they are overwhelmingly decent people.

“There is an element, a small element, that likes to shout and amplify but they’re very small in number.”

Toxicity

Mr Harris said there is a “toxicity in public life” that is being “fuelled by a small number of people”.

“I don’t think it should be ignored, it should be called out, it’s why I bristle when people talk about protest because some things are protests and others are thuggery,” he said.

“I understand the difference and so do most people in this country, and we should never allow the two to be conflated.

“These are challenging times, but I think we should always continue to amplify that most people in this country are decent.”

Taoiseach's immigration policy

The Taoiseach said Ireland’s immigration policy must fall in line with other European countries.

“We need to make sure we're not out of kilter with other European countries and we’ve to make sure we’ve closer collaboration with the PSNI,” he said.

“We’ve freed up 100 Gardai now to work with the PSNI and deportations to make sure our welfare system is fair but not out of line with other European systems.

“As Taoiseach, I intend to take a grip on this situation and that’s what I’ve been doing over the last few weeks.”

The Taoiseach has also called for an investigation into an incident that occurred during his canvass in Castlebar yesterday.

Main image: Taoiseach Simon Harris. Image: Julien Behal Photography / RollingNews.ie