Many a true word...

Apparently there was a confrontation in Birmingham City Centre the other day between an Islamic street preacher and a police constable, following an alleged complaint from a member of the public.  From what has been reported, the P.C. handled the situation impeccably, making the point that the preacher was entitled to "stand here and shout and offend" but if he went beyond that and committed a public order offence he would be arrested.  But what struck me was what the preacher is reported to have shouted at the P.C. - "This is a free country and we can speak freely in public."  Doesn't Islam do irony??