Garda block planned anti-war protest
The Irish Anti-War Movement (IAWM) were told by gardai yesterday they would not be allowed stage a planned protest march from the Central Bank to the American Embassy via Grafton Street and Stephen’s Green.
They were told the decision was made on safety grounds and that they would be arrested if they defied the order despite a previous walk along the same route last September passing off peacefully.
It later emerged a squadron of FCA reserves complete with armoured cars will be taking up positions at the Stephen’s Green end of Grafton Street for the afternoon to collect for Temple Street Children's Hospital.
A garda spokesman said the decision on the anti-war protest had nothing to do with the presence of the FCA but was made for the safety of protestors and shoppers alike at one of the busiest times of the year.
“We will facilitate any protest, as we do on over 300 occasions each year, but not by way of Grafton Street three weeks before Christmas.”
IAWM chairman Richard Boyd Barrett said he had not known about the hospital collection and had no intention of trying to embarrass the collectors.
“But it’s certainly ironic that an anti-war protest is not allowed but armoured cars are - and particularly ironic that they’re collecting for a hospital. War destroys hospitals.”
The garda spokesman said the protestors were free to walk via Nassau Street instead of Grafton Street. Mr Boyd Barrett was considering the option last night.
