Cork: Cork city centre came to a standstill on Saturday as up to a thousand anti-war protesters took to the streets only a matter of hours after a March 17th deadline was given to Saddam Hussein to disarm fully, writes Olivia Kelleher.
Demonstrators from a number of peace groups in the city voiced their concern about potential strikes on Iraq and the Government's stance on the issue. Politicians such as Labour Party TD Ms Kathleen Lynch, of Cork North Central, had urged protesters to show their strength by turning out in large numbers at the rally.
Demonstrators chanted peace slogans as they made their way from Daunt Square down Patrick Street and on to Emmet Place. Female protesters marched behind a giant banner bearing the words "Women against War." "We and the world are being dragged into a military conflict for reasons that are less than pure and for reasons that are far from explainable," Mr Dan Boyle, Cork South Central Green Party TD, told the crowd.
Members of the Irish Anti-War Movement (IAWM) organised the national day of protests against war on Iraq. They have repeatedly demanded an end to the use of Shannon Airport by the US military.
Ms Maggie Ronayne of the IAWM said that during and after war an enormous burden falls on women's shoulders as they attempt to keep their families together and rebuild shattered lives.
"Global military budgets now total well over $900 billion. The cost of war is paid for first of all by women and our families."