Protesters chanting "we want jobs" interrupted the carnival atmosphere on Wexford's new quayfront on Saturday morning while the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, was unveiling a plaque to mark its opening.
Wexford Council of Trades Unions organised a public meeting on Saturday morning to highlight concern over recent job losses in the county. Its treasurer, Mr Michael Roche, said that the council was not involved in the subsequent protest and did not encourage it.
The demonstrators followed the Taoiseach as he made his way to the Talbot Hotel for meetings with Wexford Chamber of Industry and Commerce and Wexford Corporation. Mr Hugh Byrne, Minister of State at the Department of the Marine, claimed later that one of the protesters had attempted to "take a swing" at him, but said he did not wish to comment further.
During his visit Mr Ahern announced the allocation of Government funding for an outreach third-level college in Wexford, which has one of the lowest rates of third-level participation in the State. The facility is to be located at St Peter's College.