Cork Vigil In Solidarity With Afghan Hunger Strikers

by Deirdre Clancy Sun May 21, 2006 03:31

Could someone provide a more comprehensive report please? Like how many attended the protest, etc.? It'd be good for us to get a feel for the level of support around the country.

by Joe Moore Sun May 21, 2006 12:05 mapuche at eircom dot net 087-2994796

The Cork vigil was held yesterday, between 2.00pm and 4.00pm, at Daunt's Square. Between 20 and 30 people took part, with some leaving and more arriving for the duration. As Kevin reported the placards were unambigious in their support for the Hunger Strikers.
Organisations represented included WSM, SP, SWP, NASC ( the Cork based immigrant support centre, three of whose members were in St. Patricks) Traveller and Settled Solidarity, Cork Alliance Against War, and some founder members of Immigrant Solidarity.
Residents of one of the Cork's asylum seeker "reception centres" were also present. (For the real story on these centres read Rory Hearne in the current issue of "Hotpress" and Colin Murphy in "Village")
Over 7 pages of signatures were collected, which it was intended to send to McDowell. The overwhelming reaction from the public was positive and supportive, with less than half a dozen racists comments.
A number of artists wrote chalk slogans on the pavement, including "No Borders", We are human" and "Deport McDowell"
All in all a positive experience.
This is just my version. Others should add theirs.