I’VE been in and around politics for years, and it takes a lot to shock me.

However, there has been an outbreak of brass-neckery around Dublin recently that would stop even me in my tracks.

Recently, Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) produced an advert about consent and young people.

The ad showed a young girl clearly uncomfortable as two older relatives hugged her.

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A voiceover said: “Not everyone wants a hug. Even from the people who love them.”

The Minister for Justice took time out of his questionably busy schedule, which includes a strike by solicitors over legal aid fees and a potential ‘blue flu’ Garda action, to let everyone know he was unhappy with the advert.

Jim O’Callaghan said the clip was “both inappropriate and demeaning” to grandparents.

He confirmed it was removed after his officials engaged with the DRCC.

So incensed was the minister on behalf of Irish grandparents, he took to social media to express his opposition. He didn’t, however, post on the same social media when an innocent family died in their........

© The Irish News