Anti-government protest at 1916 commemoration

AN anti-government protest has been organised to coincide with the state’s Easter 1916 commemoration outside the GPO in Dublin tomorrow.

In recent days posters on websites have called for a peaceful protest to confront Taoiseach Brian Cowen at his first public engagement since the unveiling of the multi-billion euro bank rescue plan on Tuesday.

A Facebook group has also been established to publicise the event, which has been gaining large numbers of expressions of support.

The Easter Sunday GPO Protest Facebook page states that the purpose of the protest is “to show our disgust and call for the resignation of the current Government”.

It adds: “The protest should be respectful of the commemoration, observe the minute’s silence, respect the reading of the Proclamation and respect the office of the President. But, if Cowen or any member of the Government speaks, make as much noise as possible.”

The site’s organisers are asking protesters to assemble outside the Garden of Remembrance from 10am.

Mr Cowen will join President Mary McAleese and new Defence Minister Tony Killeen at the event, which marks the armed insurrection by members of the Irish Volunteers and Citizens Army in April 1916.

Thousands of members of the public and other Government ministers are also expected to attend.

The ceremony starts at 11.45am and involves members of the Defence Forces.

All first-generation surviving relatives of those who fought in 1916 are given a special state invitation to the commemoration and a social function afterwards in the GPO.

The protest plan has generated much debate on internet sites politics.ie and boards.ie, with some posters stating concern that it could mar the commemoration.

Also protesting in O’Connell Street will be relatives of the executed 1916 leaders involved in the Save 16 Moore Street Campaign, which is aimed at protecting the site of the Rising leaders’ surrender from becoming part of a shopping mall.

James Connolly Heron, great-grandson of Citizens Army leader James Connolly, said the campaign was aimed at highlighting the need for Environment Minster John Gormley to “live up to his pledges and halt the interference with one of the most important historical sites in this country”.

Gardaí advise motorists that O’Connell Street will be closed between O’Connell Bridge and Parnell Square from 5am to 3pm.