Thousands protest at Bush visit to Ireland

Around a thousand people have taken part in anti-war protests in Co Clare today against the EU summit with the US president Mr George W Bush.

Buses travelled from around the country to the protests, which were organised by the Irish Anti-War Movement and the NGO Peace Alliance.

A group of 800 to 1,000 people marched from Shannon this morning towards Dromoland Castle, which is ringed by an eight foot high metal security fence.  They were halted by gardai on the N18 around a mile away from the summit

An anti-Bush protester is blocked by gardai just short of Dromoland Castle

Gardaí had riot gear and water cannon on standby, although a Garda spokesman said the protest has been completely peaceful. An estimated 4,000 gardaí and 2,000 Army personnel were on hand for the security operation.

There were no arrests and no reported property damage.

The NGO Peace Alliance, a umbrella group for 50 separate anti-war movements, said the protests were entirely peaceful. "Everyone is in good spirits and there is no hassle at all," spokesman Mr Brendan Butler said.  "We are very happy with the turnout considering all the security restrictions."

The scheduled press conference following the EU-US summit in Dromoland had to be delayed by over half an hour due to buses carrying 300 journalists being blocked by the protests.

Thousands of people last night took part in protests in cities and towns around Ireland. Over 10,000 people turned out for a 'Stop Bush' rally in Dublin, while 1,000 people marched in Shannon. Protests were also held in Galway, Sligo and Waterford.

The protests are supported by the Irish Anti-War Movement, the Peace and Neutrality Alliance, the NGO Peace Alliance, SIPTU, ATGWU, CPSU, USI, the Labour Party, the Green Party, Sinn Féin, the Socialist Party, the Socialist Workers Party, Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign and others.

There were no disturbances and no arrests during any of yesterday's marches.

However, three people were arrested earlier yesterday attempting to protest on an inflatable boat in the Shannon Estuary. They were charged at Ennis District Court last night with public order offences and failing to obey the order of a garda.

A 35-year-old woman was also arrested getting off a flight in Shannon Airport, allegedly in possession of an offensive weapon.

Protesters and local people alike have complained about the size of the security operation, deeming it excessive. It is estimated protecting the US president for 18 hours will cost the Irish taxpayer up to €5 million.

Four naval ships, Air Corps planes and specialist decontamination and bomb disposal teams will be on high alert to guard against a possible chemical or biological attack throughout the visit.  Up to 700 armed US Secret Service personnel have also accompanied Mr Bush on the trip.

Mr Bush, who arrived in Shannon last night, left Ireland this afternoon to fly straight into another major security operation.

Over 23,000 Turkish police and troops will be on duty during the NATO summit in Istanbul, which is being attended by British Prime Minister Tony Blair and French President Jacques Chirac among others.