Large numbers expected at Shannon protest

A protest demanding the end of the use of Shannon by the US military, organised by the Irish Anti War Movement (IAWM), is to take place at Shannon airport on Saturday.

The biggest protest in Shannon so far saw 400-500 protesters at the airport in October. and was also organised by the Irish Anti War Movement.

The IAWM expects the numbers on Saturday to double those of the October protest.

The organisers expect five or six buses from Dublin to travel. Buses will also be travelling from Cork, Galway and Waterford.

Richard Boyd Barrett, Chairperson of the Irish Anti War Movement, said: "The level of interest and support for the protest is incredible."

Boyd Barrett called on Brian Cowen and the Government to end the use of Shannon by the US military and disassociate itself from the US war drive on Iraq.

Saturday’s demonstrators will assemble in Shannon town centre at 2pm and from there will march to the peace camp at the airport entrance.

The protest will move onto the terminal building where there will be a rally.

Speakers at the protest will include MEP Patricia Mc Kenna, and TDs Jan O Sullivan and Joe Higgins.