The self-styled ‘Anglo Avenger’, believed to be a Galway based businessman furious at the bank, struck again yesterday morning by driving a cement truck right up to the gates of Leinster House on the first day of the new Dáil term.
The cement truck emblazoned with the words “Toxic Bank” and “All Politicians Should Be Sacked” used in this latest incident is the same vehicle left abandoned outside the Anglo Irish Bank in Forster Street, Galway, last April causing major traffic disruption.
Gardai sprang into action yesterday as the large cement truck, a Volvo 360, drove up to Leinster House on Kildare Street at 7am stopping inches from the entrance gates with the driver determined to block the area. According to reports one garda had to jump out of the way to avoid being hit by the oncoming truck. The driver then climbed on top of the truck to continue his protest.
Attempts were initially made to reverse the truck from the gates but it could not be moved as the brake lines and electric cables had been cut. It is understood that the windows of the truck were covered in metal grids, the cabin doors welded shut, and that the driver escaped through a hatch in the roof before gardai climbed on top of the truck to arrest him. A specialist towtruck arrived under Garda escort to remove the vehicle just before 10am.
The 41-year-old driver of the truck is believed to be an Achill born Galway-based developer who owes €3.5 million, however gardai have declined to comment.
A Garda spokesperson did confirm that the male, arrested following damage caused to the front gates of Leinster House by a truck, was brought to Pearse Street Garda Station and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. At time of going to press the spokesperon further confirmed that the man was still being held in custody.
