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.