#864 Another Fuel Revolt: Should Protesters Bring Ireland to a Standstil, Again?

Niall Boylan is joined by John Dallon, one of the leaders of the Dublin fuel protests earlier this year, and election candidate Eddie Punch, as motorists face another painful rise in petrol and diesel prices.From September 1, the first stage of the Government’s planned restoration of fuel taxes is due to add around 9c a litre to petrol and 10c to diesel, with the NORA levy also returning. At the same time, pump prices are already rising because of renewed volatility in global oil markets linked to the continuing conflict with Iran. Average diesel prices have climbed to about €1.92 a litre, with petrol around €1.84, meaning the September tax increase could push diesel through the €2 mark. Further tax increases had been planned for October, November and December, although the Government is now under growing pressure to postpone them.John Dallon says protesters are prepared to take action again if motorists and hauliers are pushed beyond breaking point. But after the disruption caused by previous demonstrations, critics argue that blocking roads, fuel depots and city centres damages businesses and punishes ordinary people trying to get to work.Niall asks: Are fuel protesters justified in bringing the country to a standstill to force the Government to act, or do disruptive protests ultimately hurt the very people they claim to represent?