Potential flashpoints ‘suffocated’ by gardaí

A “SUFFOCATING” security operation in Dublin city centre for the visit of the British monarch has disabled potential flashpoints with republicans.

Éirígí, a republican political party, yesterday condemned the level of policing and said “battle lines are now drawn”.

Key parts of the city, where Éirígí had planned two major protests, are already closed off.

The first planned protest is a “camp” at the Garden of Remembrance, starting on Sunday and continuing until Queen Elizabeth’s visit on Tuesday. The second is a march from Robert Emmet’s execution site on Thomas Street to Dublin Castle on Wednesday where the queen is attending an official function.

Parnell Square is already closed off, while Thomas Street/James Street and roads to and around Dublin Castle will be closed from tomorrow.

Éirígí chairman Brian Neeson yesterday said the camp would go ahead, although it is clear they won’t get near the site. Sources close to Éirígí said there may be “symbolic protests” somewhere near their assembly points and suggested the party may try to organise alternative protests.

Gardaí along the border will be on the lookout for known Éirígí members as well as dissident republican activists. It is thought that members of the 32 Country Sovereignty Committee, which is linked to the Real IRA, and Continuity IRA sympathisers may latch onto Éirígí protests, although Éirígí has always stressed it is not connected to extremist republican organisations.

“The weight of the Garda operation has been such that Éirígí are not able to do much,” said one source.

“The police presence has been suffocating, a bit of ‘shock-and-awe’ really.”

He did not discount some individuals planting suspect devices to try and disrupt the visit.

Meanwhile, some 2,000 guests have been invited to a special evening at the new National Convention Centre hosted by the British Embassy to celebrate the visit. President Mary McAleese will be welcomed as the special guest of honour at an evening of fashion, music and theatre, compered by Gay Byrne, next Thursday on the third day of the British monarch’s state visit.