Rejoicing, rioting and recriminations

GARDAÍ and anti-globalisation groups last night blamed each other for the violent clashes which broke out in Dublin, marring the celebrations marking the historic accession of 10 countries to the EU.

The disturbances, which resulted in the arrest of 28 people, came at the end of a largely peaceful day of protest on Saturday as Ireland hosted the formal celebrations for the single biggest expansion of the EU in its 47-year history.

Violence erupted as a march organised by the anti-globalisation group Dublin Grassroots Network attempted to approach the Ashtown Gate entrance to the Phoenix Park from the Navan Road.