Occupy Cork Deny Vacant Building 'Stunt'

The antiestablishment group, Occupy Cork, have denied taking over a vacant building in what was described as an "attention seeking stunt" by a Fine Gael councilor.

The Fine Gael city councillor in Cork told Cork's Evening Echo the occupation of the vacant building in the city was an “attention seeking stunt” by protestors behaving like Robin Hood.

The councilor blamed the Occupy Cork group, part of a world-wide movement protesting against excessive wage differences, who have denied being involved in the takeover of the vacant 2,300-square metre building on Oliver Plunkett Street in the city.

Writing on their official Facebook page on Wednesday, the group said: "I feel it's important to yet again reiterate, due to the misrepresentation of the media, that Occupy Cork is NOT INVOLVED [sic] in the taking of the building in Cork City. The majority of Occupy Cork members are not and were not involved in the taking of the building. We wish the Cork Community Resource Center all the best in their endeavours."

However, commenting on their denial, RTE journalist Brian O'Connell questioned the claim that the group's involvment had been misrepresented by the media.

"I covered the Occupy Cork camp for radio initially and covered the building takeover yesterday. Of the people I met on site, the majority those I met and interviewed at Occupy Cork. The main media contact is the same also as it was for Occupy Cork."

Fine Gael councillor Des Cahill said the occupation is unacceptable and without justification.

(DW)