A group of non-governmental organisations collected outside the Department of Foreign Affairs today to protest over the Government's offer of Irish facilities to the US in a military strike against Afghanistan.
Speaking to the gathering, former UN Director General Mr Dennis Halliday called for a peaceful, meaningful response to the attacks on the US.
"We in the rich West are the rogues, we are the terrorists," he told the gathering comprising of members of groups including the Campaign to End Iraq Sanctions, the Irish Missionary Union, the Cuba Support Group and the Anti-Racism Campaign.
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Protestors outside the Department of Foreign Affairs
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Members of the newly formed group, the NGO Peace Alliance, met with officials at the Department of Foreign Affairs to highlight their concerns. Spokesman Mr Declan McKenna said that the Alliance was formed in response to the recent events in the US, with the idea of formulating a positive response to the debate.
"We are concerned that more civilian casualties will be the result of this," said Mr McKenna. "The resolution can't be and should not necessarily be a military response."
Supporters held banners saying "Stop and think! Give space for peace, not air-space for war".
Other speakers included Mr Tom Hyland of the East Timor Solidarity Campaign.
The group is calling on the public to voice their opinions on the issue by contacting the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The meeting came the night before Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Cowen is due to formally offer the use of Irish airports and Irish air space to the US authorities.
He is due to meet US Secretary of State Mr Colin Powell in Washington DC tomorrow.