NGO Peace Alliance slams Harney 'slur'

The NGO Peace Alliance has added its voice to criticism of the Tanaiste, Mary Harney, for comments she made earlier today about anti-war protestors.

Ms Harney accused the protestors, particularly those associated with left-wing politics, of stoking up anti-Americanism and of threatening Ireland's economic ties to the US and Britain.

The NGO Peace Alliance has demanded that Ms Harney apologise for the remarks, which were made at a Progressive Democrats function in Limerick.

Spokesman Brendan Butler defended the anti-war protestors and said the Tanaiste's comments were "a slur both on their actions for peace and their integrity as thinking Irish people".