Thousands in protests against war with Iraq

THOUSANDS across the country joined in dozens of anti-war protests and demonstrations yesterday as up to a million people worldwide took to the streets in protest at war in the Gulf.

The day's largest demonstration, outside the US Embassy in Dublin yesterday evening, coincided with similar actions nationwide involving thousands of workers, students and activists.

As a marathon Dáil debate on the crisis in the Gulf continued, up to 100 protesters joined a peace vigil and fast which had begun on Wednesday evening.

During the lunchtime demonstration a young woman threw red paint over Fianna Fáil Senator Terry Leyden and was briefly detained by gardaí. Afterwards another protester wearing an orange bib with "No to War" written on it was escorted out of the Dáil's viewing gallery after shouting anti-war slogans during a speech by Defence Minister Michael Smith.

A number of anti-war activists also staged a sit down protest outside the front gate of the Dáil. Additional actions included walk-outs and lunch-time protests by thousands of workers, students and school students throughout the country.

SIPTU, the country's largest trade union, had publicly endorsed the work stoppage and called for all workers to take part. Among those downing tools were 150 staff and students from Trinity College and up to 300 UCD workers and students.

In Maynooth up to 200 students and locals assembled for 40 minutes at lunchtime and observed a minute's silence. Similar actions were held throughout the day in Cork, Galway, Limerick, Derry, Belfast and numerous other towns and cities.

Further protests organised by the Peace and Neutrality Alliance, the Irish Anti-War Movement and the NGO Alliance are scheduled for tomorrow.

Organisers are hoping that protests in Dublin, Cork, Derry, Belfast, Galway, Sligo and Waterford will rival that of last month's Dublin protest in which up to 100,000 people took part.

Tomorrow's Dublin protest begins at 2pm from the Central Bank plaza and will continue past Leinster House and on to Merrion square.

Cork's Anti-War Campaign is also organising an anti-war protest tomorrow commencing in Daunt Square at 1pm while the Waterford march will kick off at 2pm on Saturday from the Glen.

The Sligo Anti-War Movement will assemble at the City Hall in Quay Street at 3pm to march through the town and in Galway protesters will assemble at Father Burke Park, Father Griffin Road, at 1pm before marching through the city.