20,000 due at anti-war demo

More than 20,000 anti-war protesters are expected to take to the streets of Dublin tomorrow to voice their opposition to war in Iraq.

Politicians, trade union representatives and singers will address rallies in the city, with organisers claiming they will make political life “unbearable” for Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

Organiser Richard Boyd Barrett said buses from as far away as Donegal, Cork and Mayo would be converging on the Irish capital.

“The hypocrisy of the US and Britain is absolutely stomach churning,” Mr Boyd Barrett said.

He accused Irish ministers of being “up to their necks” in the war action by allowing the US military to pass through Shannon airport on their way to the Gulf.

“We are calling on the Irish public to take to the streets tomorrow and hold this Government to account,” he said.

Numerous demonstrations have been held in protest at the use of refuelling facilities at Shannon, amid claims this breaches Ireland’s tradition of military neutrality.

Green Party leader Trevor Sargent said neutral countries should not be tied into any military arrangements and called the government “disgraceful“.

“It is important that this government does not feel that people have lost heart in this demonstration of peace,” he said, urging tens of thousands to march through the capital tomorrow.

Mr Sargent said he fully supported the case of retired Irish army officer Ed Horgan, who is taking High Court proceedings against the government for offering the use of the Co Clare airport.

Liz McManus, deputy leader of the Labour Party, said: “We are asking people to come out even though there may be a sense of helplessness at this stage.

“It is vital that individuals across this country and other countries are not abandoning the cause.”

Tomorrow’s march is set to begin in Parnell Square at 3pm, and will make its way through the city centre to a rally outside Government Buildings in Merrion Street.