The Government is in danger of inciting violence if it sanctions an "over the top" Garda and Army presence at the May Day protests in Dublin, Green Party MEP Ms Patricia McKenna has said.
There was no evidence that there would be violence and anarchy on the streets on May Day, she said. Claims to the contrary were "Government propaganda" aimed at stopping protests, she added.
"Unnamed Cabinet sources have claimed in the media that thousands of violent anarchists will descend on Dublin. Nobody is putting their names to these claims, because they're not true."
Ms McKenna was speaking at a conference to outline the plans for the May 1st protests, organised by Another Europe is Possible - an alliance of anti-globalisation groups and political parties.
The group said they are organising a "colourful peaceful carnival" marching from Dame Street to the Phoenix Park. Between 5,000 and 10,000 are expected to attend and the organisers are calling on the Government not to place Army and gardaí in riot gear on the streets.
"It is possible there will be an absolute disaster if there is a massive police presence in riot gear. That is almost an incitement to create violence," Ms McKenna said.
A spokesman for the Garda Síochána said they would be issuing a statement on their preparations for May Day closer to the event.
