Protests at Opening of Magee Library by Princess Anne

From early on yesterday evening police had sealed off the Magee campus of the University of Ulster. The reason was the visit by Princess Anne to perform the official opening of Magee's new library.

From early on yesterday evening police had sealed off the Magee campus of the University of Ulster. The reason was the visit by Princess Anne to perform the official opening of Magee's new library. Only university staff and students were allowed access to the grounds and a small area was provided for "embedded" protestors some way out of sight of the library.

A group of between 20 and thirty protestors gathered at the university's "top" gate on the Northland Road, well within sight of the Library and displayed their banners and made themselves audible with the help of a bull-horn and whistles. Referring to the Princess as patron of Save The Children, the principal banner said "SAVE THE CHILDREN OF IRAQ".

A PhD. student whose 3rd floor office overlooked the library, flew a banner from his window which said "BOOKS FOR DERRY, BOMBS FOR BAGHDAD". University security smashed the door to the office and removed the banner. He has now been threatened with disciplinary action by University authorities.