Ahern accused of ignoring marchers

BERTIE AHERN has been accused of ignoring 100,000 anti-war marchers after it emerged that organisers of the demonstration have received no reply from the Taoiseach’s office despite requesting a meeting days after the Dublin event.

The coordinator of the NGO Peace Alliance, one of the three groups that organised the march two weeks ago, repeated the request for a immediate meeting with Mr Ahern.

"We believe we have a mandate from the people," said Brendan Butler.

"The Taoiseach's office is considering the request but Mr Butler said it must take place in the next couple of days so that Mr Ahern has a proper understanding of the position of the demonstrators before it is too late.

"People are demanding to know where the Government stands and we are entitled to know ... our Taoiseach, as usual, tries to work with both sides," said Mr Butler.

Attacks on elements within the movement by the Progressive Democrats revealed more about the Government's position than the Taoiseach's apparent indecision on the issue, he said.

The NGO alliance and the Peace and Neutrality Alliance held a vigil outside the Department of Foreign Affairs on Saturday as part of both groups' campaign against the war.

Representatives from both groups, along with the Anti-War Movement, will meet on Tuesday to discuss their next moves.

Global demonstrations have been planned for the Saturday after an attack on Iraq.

Workplaces and schools are being asked to observe a 10-minute stoppage on the day strikes begin.

Mr Butler denied the separate gatherings on Saturday one in Shannon, the other in Dublin suggested a rift in the movement.