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2,800 March on Anti-War Rally in Dublin

Finghín Kelly - Socialist Youth UCD | 05.11.2001 14:43

Short piece on the Anti War Demo in Dublin on Sat 3rd of November

This was the biggest protest against the war in Ireland so far. The march was called by the broad based Irish Anti War movement. An extimated 2,800 marched from the Garden of Rememberance to the G.P.O. via D'Olier Street.

At 3pm the protesters assembled outside the Garden of Rememberence to listen to speakers that included Michael D. Higgins TD, John Gormley TD and Socialist Party TD Joe Higgins. Joe Higgins condemned the British and US governments and in particular Tony Blair, for "proping up every dirty dictator that supported the interests of multinationals". Joe Higgins also condemed the treatment of women in Afghanistan and called for Cowen to withdraw his offer of Irish Airports for US bombers. John Gormley TD (Green Party) was critical of RTÉ's coverage of the anti war movement, he pointed out that two press conferences were held none of which were reported by RTÉ.

The march then proceeded down O'Connell Street and across O'Connell Bridge. The march continued down D'Olier Street and Westmorland Street and ended at the GPO for further speeches. Speakers at the GPO included UCD lecturer Ciarán Allen as well as speakers from US Citizens Against the War and End Iraq Sanctions. It is planned to hold another national anti war demonstration in the next 3 to 4 weeks. Protesters were also encouraged by Richard Boyd Barrett (SWP), to register and get active in their local anti war groups, a full list of which can be found at the Irish Anti War Movement site.

Finghín Kelly - Socialist Youth UCD
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