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Home Page > News > Irishman attacks Australian politician live on air over alcohol-fueled violence - VIDEO

Irishman attacks Australian politician live on air over alcohol-fueled violence - VIDEO

28-year-old Irishman kicked the former policeman before television cameras

CATHY HAYES,

IrishCentral Staff Writer

Published Tuesday, August 7, 2012, 4:20 AM

Updated Tuesday, August 7, 2012, 9:30 AM

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Politician John Elferink tries to reason with the Irishman who attacked him in front of TV cameras

An unidentified 28-year-old Irishman has been charged over the assault of Australian politician John Elferink.

At the time of the alleged attack, Elferink, the Country Liberals’ justice spokesman, was speaking to the media in Darwin about tougher laws on alcohol-fueled violence in Australia. The Irishman approached the politician and kicked him in the leg.

The politician, a former policeman, attempted to apprehend him and place the man under citizen’s arrest.

Two other men joined the Irishman, coming to his aid from the nearby pub. They approached the politician and allegedly “wrestled” with him according to ABC news. One of these men has also been charged with assault.

When asked by the press if he regretted apprehending the man, Elferink said, “I got involved because I think it's part of my personal civic duty.

"I'm also six feet tall and fairly robust and probably better equipped than a lot of other people to get involved in these sorts of things and it's a judgment call.

"I could've continued to wrestle with this bloke yesterday but I chose to let him go."

The Irishmen have been released from jail on bail.

Here’s video of the attack from Channel Nine:

Nster.com

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19 Comments

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irishcop025 | Aug 09, 2012, 06:23 PM EDT

I would have thought that this kind of behavior was over with. Back in the 1980's in New York's Irish neighborhoods it was a daily occurrence. Irish guys traveled in wolf packs just looking for fights. Back in the day when young people were looking to meet ladies for good times these guys wanted to tear up bars and beat the hell out of people. Irish-Americans were usually their chosen targets. But when they weren't available it was usually anyone. Not much has changed I see.

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IrelandNorth | Aug 09, 2012, 07:57 AM EDT

There's nothing in the video clip to insinuate that the assailant(s) were Irish. Suspect it was a publicity stunt by the politician in question to legitimate his claims. A bit like Portadown UVF Dublin/Monaghan carbombings in 1974 (with alleged British military logistical support) forced through the infamous Offences Against the State Act. If the assailants were Irish, would've suggested transportation to Australia, only since they're there already, maybe retro-transportation might be in order. As a T-shirt logos many years ago used to read: "Work is the curse of the drinking classes."

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WoundedKnee | Aug 08, 2012, 11:35 AM EDT

Go around Woodside or Van Cortland in the Bronx tonite and you'll similar idiots. The notion of "I'm a guest in a foreign country, I need to behave myself" doesn't seem to enter these thick skulls.

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bob40wil | Aug 08, 2012, 10:57 AM EDT

Boy the BS never stops, being a guest in someones country means nothing I'm guessing.

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seanomelb | Aug 08, 2012, 03:40 AM EDT

Robbie you're overacting about of which you have little knowledge. Australia is no more dysfunctional than most other westernised countries and better than some.

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cillowen | Aug 07, 2012, 08:23 PM EDT

send those mentally disturbed people back to enrich the land of their dysfunction.

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Curitiba | Aug 07, 2012, 07:52 PM EDT

Looks like he'll be needing that return airfare after all!

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Robbiepdunn | Aug 07, 2012, 07:12 PM EDT

Alcohol fuels violence whatever nationality people are. Its crazy here is Australia at the moment every weekend in some areas its like a war zone. The hospitals are full of people stoned out of their minds on alcohol and drugs. Doctors and nurses are on the front line. The sad thing for Irish people is that the few encourage the view that we are a drunken race it enforces the stereo type. There needs to education about the effects of alcohol it is a drug. You also wonder what went on before this attack? there is obviously a lot more to this attack than meets the eye. Alcohol is a killer its killed so many of my mates. A few million will die every year from its effects its time to change our attitude to it. They have banned smoking but I never seen anyone getting into a fight after a cigarette or crashing a car or murdering someone but after a taking alcohol anything can happen Robbie Dunn

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seanomelb | Aug 07, 2012, 05:45 PM EDT

Woundedknee and his little gem of ignorance.Another grunt from porky.

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TayandCake | Aug 07, 2012, 04:45 PM EDT

silly pie balls

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merefalow | Aug 07, 2012, 03:48 PM EDT

case proven for alcohol fueled violence,harsh penalties for this kind of behavior is called for,why do police and medical people have to put up with these sort of irresponsible rude stupid ignorant people ,i see it all the time and i so admire the police and medical peoples professional approach,but they should never have to put up with the violence,,, spitting abuse, etc etc.jail for violence,big fines for abuse.

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mairint | Aug 07, 2012, 02:57 PM EDT

Pugnacious brat - should be shipped back to Ireland and let the Gardai deal with him. This is the sort that gets all us Irish a bad name. With the recent influx of Irish to the mining in West Australia many hotels etc. will not accommodate Irish because of their bad behavior. It seems Ireland is happy to be rid of them. Shameful, spoiled and ignorant. Not a patch on the caliber of Irish that helped to build the Australian nation.

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bostonrugby | Aug 07, 2012, 12:53 PM EDT

The aussies exported themselves to London in the 80' & 90's don't think they were as obnoxious as Paddy seems to be out there at the moment. This gombeen and his buddies look drunk during this incident, fine them a significant amount (beer money for next 6 months) and export them once fine is paid.

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handsome68 | Aug 07, 2012, 12:36 PM EDT

Looks like it could be a set-up. If not, this is just one more example of the potential, if not certitude, for the negative effects of overindulgence in alcohol and drugs. From the looks of those huge Aussie bars with their stupid pseudo-Irish names, it looks like boozing in the morning or at any time day or night, is de rigueur. Many young Irishman or women need to think of another way to spend free time. (Yes, I already know that pub owners are taking down my name.)

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MacConDubh | Aug 07, 2012, 10:44 AM EDT

Way to reinforce those stereotypes, gobshite.

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