Update on Shannon Residents Protest

national | anti-war / imperialism | news report Thursday June 24, 2004 19:41 by Dominic Haugh - Organising committee Shannon Residents Protest

Committee to propose participation in AWI Demo

The visit of George Bush is now only 24 hours away. Response from the residents of Shannon been very positive and we are confident of a significant turnout for the protest.

Following recent discussions with the Gardai it is likely that all anti-war protesters will be allowed to assemble in Shannon Town Centre. This is a positive development and should been seen as a victory for the right to protest. Indications are that the protest will be allowed to proceed to Drumgeely Flats where police lines will be assembled. The Gardai state that Aer Rianta are refusing entry to protestors onto the private property of the airport. However the reality is that it is easier for the Gardai to contain the protest at Drumgeely. Despite this the Gardai have been forced into a major climb down since suggestions emerged about what the security operation would entail. Mary Harney’s comment yesterday that the “security response would be proportionate” could be read as what public opinion would tolerate and clearly public opinion will not tolerate heavy-handed action from the Gardai.

Following discussions with AWI, the organising committee of the Shannon Residents Protest will be proposing, to the residents who assemble to protest, that the Shannon Residents participate in the AWI demo with the residents organised as a separate contingent and stewarded by Shannon residents. We feel this is appropriate and will serve the best interests of maximising the impact of the protest. We are hopeful residents from Shannon on the protest will accept this proposal. This again is a positive development and one to be welcomed by anti-war activists.

Clearly the Irish Government have been force to back track on their strategy for this weekend. The protests around the Bush visit provide an opportunity to re-invigorate the anti-war movement and continue the pressure on the Irish Government to stop Irish collaboration with the US war machine. Following on from the protests at this weekend it is hope that a vibrant and active anti-war group will be established in Shannon to continue the work that has been carried out in the past few weeks.