Taoiseach Enda Kenny was heckled by about 300 water charge protesters as he arrived in Cork this morning for a jobs announcement.

Mr Kenny was jeered and verbally abused as he arrived at global technology and service provider Xanadu in Blackpool, where 120 jobs were announced today.

Lord Mayor of Cork, Fianna Fáil's Mary Shields, was also heckled as she arrived.

Protesters, marshalled by Cllr Mick Barry of the Anti-Austerity Alliance, expressed their opposition to the government’s plans with chants such as “Enda Kenny, Not a Penny” and ‘You can shove your water meters up your arse”.

Despite being noisy, the protest passed off peacefully.

A force of about 100 gardaí manned crush barriers which had been erected to keep protesters back from Mr Kenny and his entourage when they arrived at 10.30am

Mr Kenny was subjected to another torrent of boos and jeers when he emerged before noon.