“All of the protesters that I have seen before seem to have extremely expensive phones, tablets, video cameras. There has been the most extensive filming in relation to any of these actions that I have ever seen anywhere. Hollywood would be in the ha’penny place compared to what’s done here.”

Tanaiste Joan Burton, October 9

“[The Irish Water protesters] should collect all the rainwater while out marching today and drink that for the week.”

Fine Gael councillor Laura McGonigle (above with Enda Kenny), November 1

“It’s interesting that this [Xmas spending] survey should come out this week when 120,000 people were marching on the streets saying they were really up against paying water charges. I’m assuming we’re talking about a different category of people who are going to be spending all this money on toys.”

Former Fine Gael Minister Nora Owen, November 7.

Nora Owen starts Twitter storm with comments on Christmas spending (Irish Times)

Let Them Drink Cake (Broadsheet)

Social media reacts angrily to Joan Burton ‘expensive phones’ comment (irish Examiner, October 9)

Pics: Photocall Ireland, Lauramcgonigle.ie