IS ÉAMON Ó Cuív trying to become a political prisoner, just like his grandaddy, Éamon de Valera? On Tuesday, the High Court was told the Fianna Fáil deputy leader had been protesting at Ashford Castle “in flagrant breach” of a court order.

Young Dev was one of about 150 demonstrators who gathered last weekend at the gates of the luxury hotel to protest at the closing of an alleged right of way in the grounds. Earlier, the owners had secured a temporary injunction stopping people from obstructing the entrance, roadways and bridges at the estate, claiming a previous demonstration had caused great inconvenience to staff and guests at the hotel.

The Fianna Fáil TD was described on Tuesday as being in flagrant breach of the order, and his name, along with those of other protesters, was to be added as a defendant to the proceedings. And recently, he has been shouting from the rooftops that he is prepared to go to jail rather than pay the controversial septic tank charge.

Then on Tuesday afternoon he engaged in a protracted discussion with the captain of the guard after opponents of the Corrib Gas terminal, who were invited to Leinster House by Ó Cuív, were refused entry by security staff.

The Shell to Sea campaigners, including veteran protester Maura Harrington, had been hoping to attend a meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Communications and Natural Resources. But they were turned away because of a protest outside earlier.

“I saw him in heated discussion at the gates with the captain, who won out in the end. It’s a long-standing rule that people who are protesting outside will not be let in on the same day. Éamon should know that, he’s here long enough,” said one committee member.

“He kept the meeting going for longer than necessary with his questioning. I think he’s trying to turn himself into some sort of latter-day martyr.”

It can only be a matter of time before he stands up during Thursday's deputy leaders' questions slot and bursts into Only our Rivers Run Free.Mountjoy please note.