Monday 22 November 2010

Irish protesters breach police lines


ANTI-GOVERNMENT protesters forced their way into the grounds of Government Buildings in Dublin.

Reports The Irish Times: "Some 50 people, including Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh, protested outside Government Buildings on Merrion Street at lunchtime yesterday, shouting: 'Cowen, Cowen, Cowen. Out, out, out!'

"Television footage showed the Dublin South Central TD caught up in scuffles between the demonstrators and gardaí, as gardaí sought to push back protesters carrying banners during the protest organised by Sinn Féin.

"A number of people pushed their way through the Government Buildings gates as far as the glass-walled reception buildings inside the entrance. A sit-down protest was attempted for about five minutes.

"According to gardaí, protesters attempted to get through, but were 'stopped in their efforts' to get to the Taoiseach’s office.

"The group was then escorted out by gardaí, who maintained a highly visible presence after the incident.

"Police vans and gardaí on motorbikes attended the scene, and at least 15 gardaí stood in a line across the large gates to the grounds. There were no arrests."

The Belfast Telegraph adds that police are now braced for a massive street protest being organised for the centre of Dublin on Saturday.

"The demonstration is expected by some of the organisers to attract at least 80,000 people but the final number could swell further as public anger boils over."