Large Anti-War/Shannon Demo in Dublin

national | miscellaneous | news report Saturday March 29, 2003 20:33 by Paul Cummins chewy at redbrick dot dcu dot ie

I guess 40,000 turned up

A large demo was held in Dublin. Organised by the IAWN NGO AND PANA.
It started at 3 with speeches and songs at Parnell Sq. The area wasn't as crowded as the 15th of February but it reminded me of that day with people of types reaching down to O'Connell Str.

It was strangely quiet people worried and expected more NVDA. It slowly marched towards the government buildings this time more banners, more kids, more fun and more anger.

A sign was burnt outside the Dail gates as the vocal socialist groups shouted slogans. The police didn't over react to any of this.

I waited (for 20 mins) and watched as the rest of the march walked past. People from everyone grouping some noticeable with large banners and speakers phones. But just as many with no particular allegiance.

The demo was quite short. It finished outside the Dail with more speakers on a stage and PA system.
The NVDA people like Eoin Dubsky and Mary Kelly received applause for their words but not from Ruira Quinn and many others clapped cautiously.
A great quote was read out from the Nuremberg trials which a great recommendation for the legitimacy of direct action (insert quote).

Ruairi Quinn spoke and encouraged his audience to protest and vocalise to their local politicians. Through his speech a man shouted hypocrite.

It finished with an empassioned and very sensible speech from a member of the Irish-Muslim community. Who spoke directly to Bertie Ahern to listen to the people.

Photos to follow