I should like to thank the Chair for giving me the opportunity to raise this matter on the Adjournment. It was not considered urgent enough to raise it today on the Order of Business.
Deputy Gregory was fined £150 and, by order of the District Court, was bound over to keep the peace for six months. It is important to note that Deputy Gregory went to prison on a point of principle, namely, the right to protest peacefully alongside and on behalf of his constituents. He does not think he should have been bound over because it prevents him from doing something which he considers in conscience he must do.
In his own statement Deputy Gregory said he represented some of the poorest people who had no option but to protest to achieve their civil rights. One can contrast this with the power, money and influence of the City Centre Traders' Association and Irish Life in whose name a case has been taken to prevent traditional street traders taking up an option that was already granted by the city to trade in the cul-de-sac leading to the centre, and one could be forgiven for concluding that an injustice is taking place or that at least a call for protest and support on behalf of the people concerned is necessary.
This case began in the Circuit Court. It went to the Supreme Court by way of case stated. Because the Circuit Court judge in question retired and Irish Life deliberately delayed the action by not putting it to the Supreme Court in time, the case has now to return to the Circuit Court. That process has been going on for two years.
I believe that it is sometimes necessary to accept even prison rather than to compromise one's principles although I should imagine that in this most conservative of Houses that would be frowned upon in the extreme. In my experience this Chamber is comprised of some of the most cowardly people when it comes to matters of principle or justice. Although they seem to think they are very humane, caring and just, I have found that not to be true. The opposite is the case.
Deputy Gregory's constituents who depend on him to a great extent and some of my own constituents are unfairly disadvantaged. They live in areas where as few as 1 per cent of the population receive any kind of third level education and they make up about 25 per cent of the population of St. Patrick's Institution and Mountjoy Prison. In advantaged areas the percentage receiving third level education is 30 per cent to 40 per cent. People in such areas know how to take advantage of the system and to come out on top.
In a dissertation on civil disobedience Thoreau said, "The only obligation which I have a right to assume is to do at any time what I think right. To be right is more honourable than law abiding." I find it regrettable to have to call on the Minister to release an honourable and responsible Member of this House. The Minister should have done this without persuasion as he is empowered to do under section 23 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1951. It was once considered by two former Taoisigh that Deputy Gregory was important enough to be courted for his support. I ask the question if he would be left incarcerated if that occasion were to arise now.
Deputy Gregory is not a common criminal, neither is he a wild nor dangerous person. His constituents are calling for his release because they want him among them. As the Minister is well aware, people involved in more serious cases have been released. What is involved is a principle I stand over. Gandhi said that if you have an idea or a principle, not to practise it is dishonest. He asked how can one believe in a moral or religious precept and not live it. He also said that the only protection the underprivileged have are the morals of those who are privileged. Therefore, I call on the Minister to release Deputy Gregory.
