Protestors accuse Govt of 'collaborating in war'

About 8,000 people took to the streets of Dublin this afternoon to demonstrate against what they called the Government’s “collaboration” in the war on Iraq.

Muslim groups, trade unions, church organisations and opposition parties were all represented on the march through the capital.

Speakers said that Ireland was playing a part in the “terrorist” war by allowing the US military to use facilities at Shannon Airport.

Socialist Party leader Joe Higgins said that by allowing aircraft to refuel at Shannon the Government was breaking both national and international law.

“We are supporting the court case being taken in the High Court to ensure that legally we can stop the Government from supporting this war, which is certainly murdering people and is illegal,” Mr Higgins said.

Retired Irish army officer Ed Horgan is taking proceedings in the High Court against the Government for offering the use of Shannon Airport to US military planes.

Buses from as far away as Donegal, Cork, Mayo and the midlands took people to Dublin for this afternoon’s protest.

Although organisers had predicted that 20,000 people would turn up, police put the figure at 8,000.

Officers said two people were arrested for public order offences.

After a rally in Parnell Square the demonstrators marched through the city centre to the Merrion Square Government buildings, where another rally took place.