Anti-war protests mark International Women's Day

Anti-Iraq war campaigners staged demonstrations at 15 separate locations throughout the country today to coincide with International…

Anti-Iraq war campaigners staged demonstrations at 15 separate locations throughout the country today to coincide with International Women's Day.

Two of the protests went ahead in Dublin - outside the Dail and close to the American embassy. Another event was held beside Shannon airport.

Today's events were backed by Labour MEP and former Mr Proinsias de Rossa. Addressing the US embassy anti-war rally, he called on the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern to speak out against the war.

He said the Government should not "sit on the fence" any longer, but use whatever influence they had to stop the war.

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"The proposed American and British bombing of Iraq will result in a slaughter of civilians not seen since the First World War. To devastate the cities of Iraq will be a war crime.

"It is not acceptable and the Irish government have to make it clear they will not approve that kind of approach to international relations."

Other demonstrations went ahead today in Cork, Waterford, Galway and Sligo, as well as Mullingar, in Co Westmeath, Dundalk, Co Louth, Dingle, Co Kerry, Tullamore, Co Offaly, Westport, Co Mayo, Letterkenny, Co Donegal, Maynooth, Co Kildare, and Clones, Co Monaghan.