About 40 protesters gathered outside Leinster House this morning for one of a series of Sinn Féin-organised demonstrations against the postponing of elections for the North's Assembly.
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Protesters stage a mock "auction" outside Leinster House. Photo: Fergal Quinn
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Protesters blew horns and staged a mock "auction" of six counties' votes. Sinn Féin TDs Arthur Morgan, Martin Ferris and Caomhghín Ó Caoláin joined the protesters on Kildare Street, posing alongside two who were wearing David Trimble and Tony Blair masks.
A spokesman for the protesters said that they had gathered to protest at the "auctioning off of democracy in the North". The elections were due to take place today.
Sinn Féin has opposed the decision by the British government to postpone the elections, with the party's senior negotiator, Mr Martin McGuinness, yesterday calling the move a "slap in the face for the people of this island".
Protests planned over the day in Dublin include a picket at O'Connell Bridge and a rally this evening outside the British Embassy.
Sinn Féin has organised demonstrations in 30 towns and cities in the North and the Republic while the SDLP is planning a mock ballot in south Belfast.
The British government postponed the elections because of the failure of the IRA to come up with a statement declaring an end to all paramilitary activity.
Last night, the Dáil rejected a Sinn Féin motion demanding elections to the North's Assembly be held before the end of June and that Dáil representation be given to those living in the North.