Over 5,000 gather for Dublin anti-war rally

Over 5,000 protesters gathered for an anti-war rally in Dublin this afternoon.

Rallies also took place in Waterford, Cork,Galway, Limerick and Sligo. Up to 2,000 people attended an anti-war rally in Belfast.

Our own government has tried to hoodwink the public into thinking it is notpart of the war on Iraq. Mr Richard Boyd Barrett, organiser of the Irish Anti-War Movement.

Mr Richard Boyd Barrett, organiser of the Irish Anti-War Movement, said peoplewere outraged that the Dáil voted this week in favour of continuingto allow US military planes to refuel at Shannon Airport.

"I think there is a very high level of anger," Mr Boyd Barrett said.

"Despite all the protests Bush and Blair have carried on defying the will ofthe majority of people in the world.

"Our own government has tried to hoodwink the public into thinking it is notpart of the war on Iraq.

"But by allowing the US to use Shannon it is assisting the war and is part ofthe coalition of the willing," he added.

The demonstration started on on Dame Street and finished at LeinsterHouse, with rallies at each end.

The Congress of Trade Unions backed today's rally, as has a grouprepresenting the main Muslim organisations in Ireland.