Aontú Senator Sarah O'Reilly has criticised the Government's handling of the fuel protests.
The Cavan representative believes Government's refusal to engage with ordinary working people has deepened the crisis and exposed how disconnected they have become from everyday life.
Senator O'Reilly told Northern Sound: "This Government that has no difficulty meeting unelected NGOs behind closed doors, again and again, shaping policy with groups that have no democratic mandate. Yet when working people, those who keep this economy going, take to the streets in frustration, Ministers choose threats over picking up the phone."
Senator O'Reilly said the tone adopted by the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and Ministers were inflammatory and belittling.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Senator O'Reilly warned: "Families and businesses are being squeezed from every angle, while the Government continues to take in massive revenues from fuel taxes. Instead of engagement, we have seen lectures.
"Instead of respect, we have seen people talked down to and belittled. To see farmers, hauliers and decent working people threatened by the TDs who are meant to represent them is a disgrace.
