Outpouring of anger at protests

Water charge protesters have vowed to continue their campaign after the Government refused to abolish the levy following a massive rally in Dublin.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators travelled from around the country and marched in Dublin yesterday, bringing the capital to a standstill.

Estimates of the huge crowds sweeping into the city varied widely with gardaí saying 35,000 braved the cold temperatures while organisers claimed 100,000 marched. Right2Water campaigner Brendan Ogle said: “The Government are in a political crisis because people have rebelled against this charge in huge numbers. They’ve demonstrated that again, they’ll demonstrate it again in the new year.”