McDowell jostled by anti-deportation protesters

The Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, had to be escorted by Gardai into a UCD lecture hall tonight after he was blocked by anti-deportation protesters.

Mr McDowell was in the university to give a talk on bouncers and the Irish security industry.

A Garda spokesman said when the Minister arrived his passage was blocked by the protesters who hurled abuse and jostled him. The spokesman said officers "made room" for Mr McDowell to enter the building.

When he emerged Mr McDowell was again blocked from returning to his car and gardai were again forced to hold back protesters.

The spokesman said no arrests were made during the incident.