Protesters gather ahead of Australian PM's Dáil address

A number of groups have mounted protests outside the Dáil in advance of an address to TDs later today by Australian Prime Minister John Howard.

Mr Howard is due to make the speech as part of a three-day official visit to Ireland.

The Unmarried Fathers of Ireland group, which is involved in the protests, has accused Mr Howard's government of failing to honour commitments under the Hague Convention on child abductions.

One of its members, Dublin man Kevin Carey, claims his two children were abducted and taken to Australia by their mother 12 weeks ago.

Under the Hague Convention, they should be returned within six weeks, but Mr Carey says this has not happened and he has heard nothing from the Australian authorities.

The animal rights group PETA is also involved in today's protests, claiming Australia is not doing enough to ensure the welfare of sheep.

Elsewhere, anti-war campaigners are expected to mount their own demonstration later today to protest against Australia's ongoing support for the US/British occupation of Iraq.

Socialist Party TD Joe Higgins, meanwhile, has said he will be boycotting Mr Howard's speech because of the Australian Prime Minister's stance on Iraq, his hardline attitude towards immigrants and labour law and his alleged exploitation of East Timor's natural gas resources.

A number of other independent, left-leaning TDs are also considering joining him in the boycott.