Massive march unites people from all sides of the political divide
Most Irish people do not support the use of Shannon by US military according to a poll.
IN A compelling message to Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, up to 100,000 people brought Dublin to a standstill yesterday in a massive demonstration against war in Iraq.
In one of the biggest marches ever seen in the capital, the demonstration brought together every shade of political opinion from committed anti-war activists, who mounted hardline protests in Shannon, to ordinary families who brought their children to Dublin from all over the country to march for peace.
Amid demands by many speakers for the Government to end the use of Shannon by the United States military, the former UN Assistant Secretary General Denis Halliday told the massive crowd that "Ireland is collaborating in Bush terrorism via Shannon."
Mr Halliday said by the Irish Government's "blind support" for the Bush administration we were dishonouring UN peacekeepers.
In a highly charged appeal in Dame Street the Irish-born former head of the UN 'oil for food' programme in Iraq said: "The Irish Government is endorsing a moron being followed by a weasel. Tell Taoiseach Bertie Ahern that there is no Irish support for war on the people of Iraq. Not in our name."
One of the march's organisers Roger Cole, chairman of the Peace and Neutrality Alliance, said there was a clear message for the Taoiseach: "Get the airplanes out of Shannon. We want them out now and we want a statement from the Government in response to this march. Either the planes go or Bertie Ahern goes."
MEP Patricia McKenna said the Government was out of line with the wishes of the Irish people while Des Geraghty, SIPTU President, called the crowd "the army against terrorism".
"This is the ordinary people's army. This is people saying we will not tolerate terrorism from any quarter from Saddam or Bush."
Along with several other speakers, singer Hazel O'Connor sang a Bob Dylan anti-war song from the Sixties Masters of War while former Pogues frontman Shane McGowan, with a drink in one hand, also sang for the crowd telling them,: "F**k the Brits, f**k the Yanks."
Among the thousands taking part were Tadg O Toole, 12, from Irishtown, Dublin, who marched with his father Shane. He said: "I'm here because war is pointless. War does not solve anything. I don't want people to die."
Sisters Antoinette Uzell and Debra Magee were among many parents who brought their children. Ms Uzell, who was accompanied by Lauren, 2, and Ryan, 4, said: "Some of the anti-globalisation people are chanting 'Death to Bush'. I don't like that. I like America, I just don't agree with this war. I'm marching for the women in Baghdad and the children who just want to do their shopping without being bombed."
There was a strong showing by Catholic organisations and other diverse groups including "Cyclists Against War" with many Iraqi and Irish flags flying.
A Garda helicopter monitored the march from the air in a low-key security operation as the first protesters left Parnell Square 30 minutes later than planned at 2.30pm.
By the time the first protesters had gathered around Iveagh House, the headquarters of the Department of Foreign Affairs, there were still many thousands who had not left Parnell Square on the northside of the city.
Labour leader Pat Rabbitte said: "It is a clear message to Mr Ahern and his Government that he is seriously out of step with the feelings of the people of this country who want him to use our neutrality for peace and who do not want US warplanes in Shannon."
The march began to a samba beat as dozens of drummers of all ages heralded the start. Whistles, sirens and music brought a carnival atmosphere to the event. Trade unionists marched side by side with Green Party supporters, community groups and even the Salvation Army. Sinn Fein activists were joined by pacifist groups and anti-facist groupings.
According to the latest opinion poll, a clear majority of Irish people do not support the use of Shannon Airport by the US military even if the UN Security Council approves a second mandate giving formal authority for war.
Yesterday's massive march in Dublin may give Mr Ahern food for thought as he ponders a poor personal showing in the same opinion poll.
Catholic Archbishop Dr Sean Brady said military action against Iraq would impose great suffering on a people that had suffered too much.
JEROME REILLY AND DON LAVERY
Start Date: 2003-02-15 19:00:00-05
End Date: 2003-03-17 19:00:00-05
Created By: Web Master
Comments
This enormous success and those like it around the globe, prove yet again, that we "ordinary" people are far more in touch with each other and with reality, than any of our so-called "leaders."
It is both baffling and frightening that so many heads of state, including the Taoiseach, Tony Blair, Spain's Jose Maria Aznar, Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi, et al, have so willingly fallen into lock step behind Bush's plans to wage a war of aggression.
To those of us living in America, it is blatantly obvious that this country's Un-Elected President is irrationally determined to have his war...world opinion, citizen protests, the UN and NATO all be damned.
The most terrifying thought of all, is that nothing will sway this meretricious, warmongering twit or the hawkish reactionaries [read: puppeteers] who make up his Cabinet, from their oil-fired blood lust.
God help the world if that nightmarish scenario comes about.
[BTW: If it were financially possible, I'd be off back to Dublin on the next flight!]
Created By: Alice Kehoe
Telephone or eMail Bertie now (Freephone 1890-227 227, taoiseach@taoiseach.gov.ie); tell him we'll close Shannon if he won't.
Created By: John Lenihan