On Wednesday 9th May at 9.30am Brid Smith and Gino Kenny , two candidates in the General Election in the West Dublin area lodged complaints against Garda violence at the Garda Ombudsman Commission. The Garda Ombudsman Commission had just opened its doors.

Their complaints dealt with heavy handed treatment they received at the hands of Gardai at protests in Bellinaboy Co Mayo against the Shell refinery and in solidarity with the people of Rossport.

One of the candidates Gino Kenny who is contesting the election in Dublin Mid West for the People Before Profit Alliance, was seen on RTE news by millions of people being thrown over a wall and into a ditch by two gardai. Gino will present DVD footage and stills to the Ombudsman as evidence of assault by the Gardai.

The other candidate Brid Smith who is contesting the election in Dublin South Central for the People Before Profit Alliance will also present DVD and photo evidence to the Ombudsman as evidence of assault by Gardai. Brid will also be lodging a complaint of having been beaten by a Garda baton.

Complaints have to be made within 6 months of the incident occurring. These incidents happened on 10th November last and today was the last day Brid Smith and Gino Kenny were able to make their complaints within the time-frame.