Thousands demonstrate against 'unjust' Household Charge

Thousands of demonstrators have attended a protest rally in Dublin against the Government's controversial Household Charge.

While more than 2,000 packed into the city's National Stadium, hundreds of others had to stand outside.

Young and old travelled from all across the country to voice their opposition to the contentious austerity measure.

Union leaders and TDs gave speeches inside, with some emerging to speak to those who could not get in.

In what was a carnival atmosphere at times, musicians entertained the crowd.

The Campaign Against Household and Water Taxes (CAHWT) organised the event.

It is understood that only around 330,000 of the 1.6 million eligible to pay the tax have registered ahead of the deadline at the end of the month.

The Government hopes to raise €160m with the new €100 charge on households.

"It's unjust," said one protester. "The people have suffered enough in this country and we're saying no to it."