Haider Greeted By Lively Protest

national | miscellaneous | news report Friday April 11, 2003 11:04 by pat c

Despite many activists being kept out of TCD last night,Haider was greeted by an eclectic collection of the wretched of the Earth. Some managed to get inside but were ejected as soon as they raised any protest.

Some wanted to stop Haider from speaking, some were there to protest. But all made it clear that they found his views repugnant.

Security at TCD front gate was resticting entrance but some found other ways in. Inside we found everyones favourite Garda Inspector (the big ugly one) leading a band of the boys in blue & yellow.

Several attempts were made to rush the doors and 2 AFA members got in at one stage but were thrown out again. Others, already inside, including members of the ISN got ejected after raising points of order and attempting to make personal contact with Haider.

Several people, including myself, were person-handled by the cops but no one suffered real injuries and there were no arrests.

A noisy protest was kept up for 2 1/2 hours. Haider was aware of our presence at all times.

Ruari Quinn was also speaking at the meeting but members of Labour Youth were protesting outside.

Groups present at the Demo included: SF, ISN, AFA, ANL, SWP, SY, RAR, SA and Labour Youth.