Protesters set to take to Dublin streets

People will take to the streets of Dublin today to protest against the country’s austerity Budget.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) organised the march, saying the four-year plan of spending cuts and tax rises “will do irreparable damage” to the country.

Union leaders said the demonstration will be family-friendly, but there are fears that some groups may be looking to cause trouble.

There were clashes between protesters and police earlier this week as members of the Government wrestled with European officials over an €85bn rescue package to bail out the Irish economy.

The Dublin march comes after the Government suffered a blow with a by-election defeat yesterday, leaving the coalition government with a majority of just two.

Sinn Féin candidate Pearse Doherty won the Donegal South West seat having seized more than 39% share of the vote.

He said the win showed the increasing public opposition to the austerity Budget and the multi-billion euro bailout planned for Ireland.

The Fianna Fáil/Green Party coalition, with the support of independents, now commands 82 seats in the Dáil, with the Opposition and other independents holding 80.

Only 24 hours prior to polling day, Taoiseach Brian Cowen unveiled his four-year plan for national recovery, which mapped out drastic measures including €3bn in social welfare cuts, a rise in tax and the axing of 25,000 public sector jobs.

An austerity budget is planned for December 7.

Before today’s march the ICTU said: “If they go ahead with their plans, they will do irreparable damage and turn this country into a social and economic wasteland.”

Several union leaders and political figures are expected to speak, with artists including Christy Moore and Frances Black also performing.

The officer in charge of policing today’s march, Chief Superintendent Michael O’Sullivan, said: “While our policing plan is primarily focused on crowd safety, it will also aim to prevent any disruption”.

“In addition we will gather evidence of any unlawful or criminal behaviour which might occur with the intention of bringing those responsible before the courts.”