Protesters to release balloons to show disgust

Supporters of rape victim Fiona Doyle are planning a solidarity rally outside Leinster House this weekend as anger over the handling of her case grows.

The gathering is to take place at the Kildare St gates of Leinster House on Saturday from noon and supporters are asked to bring black balloons as a symbol of their dismay with the criminal justice system.

The move came as thousands of people vented upset and anger on a Facebook page, “Justice for Fiona Doyle”, and added their names to an online petition on activism.com. Many Twitter users also called for an end to len-iency for sex abusers.