20,000 take to streets in poverty march

About 20,000 people marched through Dublin city centre last night as part of the international Make Poverty History campaign.

As well as seeking to put pressure on world leaders to deliver progress on debt cancellation, trade justice and better aid ahead of next week's G8 summit, the campaign called on the Government yesterday to deliver a "credible" plan for overseas aid.

Justin Kilcullen of Trócaire told protesters that the Government must meet its solemn pledge to increase overseas aid to 0.7 per cent of GNP within five years.

The rally was described by organisers as a curtain raiser for a series of events, including international Live8 concerts and a major G8 summit protest in Edinburgh tomorrow.

A number of groups and musicians entertained thousands of protesters on Merrion Square last night, including Kíla, Mundy, the Devlins, the Walls, the Hothouse Flowers and two Dublin-based choirs.

Many Irish protesters are preparing to make their way to Edinburgh today, where about 250,000 people are expected to march.

The Irish campaign has the support of 40 different organisations, trade unions and aid organisations. It also has the support of the main churches in Ireland and members of the Islamic community.