Afghan asylum seekers spend third night on hunger strike

Around 35 Afghan asylum seekers have spent a third night on hunger strike inside St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin.

The men entered the cathedral on Sunday and said they would starve themselves to death if they were not allowed to remain in Ireland.

They say they are at risk of torture and death in Afghanistan and fear they will be deported by Irish authorities.

Yesterday, a representative of the group met immigration officials, but the talks failed to make any progress.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern also rejected the men's demand for asylum, saying capitulation by the Government would lead to similar actions in the future.

A total of 41 asylum seekers are involved in the protest, but seven were taken to hospital yesterday, including one who was said to be in a critical condition.

At least three of the others later returned to the cathedral to rejoin their fellow hunger strikers.