Concern over reports of armed gardaí

MAY DAY protestors planning to take to the streets to oppose European Union expansion have expressed concern at reports that gardaí policing demonstrations will be armed and that water cannons will be kept on standby.

Members of the Dublin Grassroots Network, which is planning a march through Phoenix Park to Farmleigh House on the evening of May 1, accused the authorities of hyping up the potential for trouble.

Aileen O’Carroll, a spokesperson for the network, said: “We are particularly concerned about reports of armed guards adding to the hysteria around the event.

“We are concerned that ordinary guards will see themselves as a target of protests...they are not aimed at ordinary guards.”

Reports yesterday said that from next week armed gardaí will begin patrolling the streets of Dublin.

It is also reported that six water cannons have been brought in and that surveillance will be mounted on ports, hotels and guesthouses.

Around 8,000 gardaí will be on duty on May 1 as European heads of state gather in Farmleigh House for the official welcoming into the EU of the 10 accession countries.

It is further reported that private security staff will be employed to offer extra crowd control protection in various parts of the city, possibly at Farmleigh, but more likely at a cultural fair in Merrion Square.

Different organisations, those opposed to globalisation, anarchists, socialists, other left wing groups and Sinn Fein, are all planning to take part in protests on May 1.

Ms O’Carroll has called on the gardaí to confirm whether some will be armed and to reveal the rules of engagement. “And under what circumstances are they going to use water cannons,” she added.

The network, which includes Reclaim the Streets, has dismissed widespread claims that violent anarchists are preparing to travel to Dublin for the weekend. Others believe the numbers predicted at the protests are widely exaggerated.

The Dublin Grassroots Network held a meeting yesterday afternoon to further plan events for the weekend of May 1.

At 10am, on Wood Quay in Dublin, there will be a protest at what organisers describe as fortress EU. At 2.30pm, a reclaim the city protest will be held on Grafton Street.

In the evening, protestors, armed with pots, pans and whistles, are planning to march from Parkgate Street through Phoenix Park to Farmleigh House, where heads of state will be gathered for dinner.