WATCH: 'Backbone who keep country moving' - Laois Sinn Féin senator at Portlaoise M7 fuel protest blockade

Laois Sinn Féin Senator Maria McCormack was among the scores of protestors at the J17 fuel protest in Portlaoise where she spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois Live about why she was there and backing their cause.

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She said the message is clear - the price of fuel must go down because if it does not their business will not be able to continue.

She was speaking at the Togher roundabout where fuel protestors mounted a multi-vehicle blockade. 

Both the north and south bound motorway ramps are blocked with vehicles while trucks vans and digger are parked on the roundabout itself with one lane open allowing traffic access to the N77 into and out of Portlaoise.