MAST MAN'S MIXED SIGNALS; EXCLUSIVE.

Byline: CATHAL McMAHON

A PROTESTER who climbed the RTE mast has revealed how he almost lost his finger during the dangerous stunt.

John Foley risked his life for the second time in a week when he climbed halfway up the RTE studios in Montrose just after 9pm to demonstrate against Ryanair.

The 44-year-old dad was arrested last week after he ran in front of horses at Cheltenham racecourse on St Patrick's Day.

Mr Foley was arrested and fined EUR100 for his RTE stunt. He told the Irish Daily Mirror he regretted the action.

He added: "They let me go this afternoon and to be honest I nearly cut my two fingers off during the protest. It wasn't worth it if you think about it."

Mr Foley spent seven hours on the mast last night before Garda negotiators talked him down.

Two fire engines, four Garda cars and two ambulances had to attend the scene, and Mr Foley was full of praise for them.

He said: "I have had some desperate experiences with police in England but I have only good things to say about Irish police. I am doing this to get my message out there that Ryanair don't care about their staff and customers."

Mr Foley accused the airline of unfairly treating his daughter Sarah, 20, after her contract was terminated after two months.

A Ryanair spokesman described Mr Foley as an "idiot" and claimed the company's decision concerning his daughter was legitimate.

CAPTION(S):

STUNT Mirror story of mast protest REGRETS John Foley yesterday

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Publication:	The Mirror (London, England)
Date:	Mar 24, 2011
Words:	256
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