TD Paul Murphy under attack for getting free legal aid in water charges protest case

Anti-Austerity Alliance Paul Murphy has come under attack in the Dáil for applying for free legal aid for his forthcoming court case.

Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TDs criticised Deputy Murphy’s decision to seek State support in his defence of criminal charges relating to a protest which saw Labour Party leader Joan Burton trapped in her car for two hours. Fine Gael’s Dublin Fingal TD Alan Farrell said Mr Murphy’s decision to apply for legal aid was a “crime against the taxpayer”. Deputy  Murphy reacted angrily to the accusations and called on the deputies to withdraw their claims, which he said were “outrageous”. He said the deputies used a Dáil debate on gangland crime to make “cheap” and “unfounded” allegations against him. The Dublin South West TD said he applied for free legal aid after his court case was moved from the District Court to the Circuit Court by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). He said this meant he faced being sentenced to life in prison if convicted. He said his legal fees for a six day case could total more €100,000. Mr Murphy said all criminal charges against water protestors should be dropped following the suspension of water charges