Labour Youth demands right to advertise public demos

dublin | rights, freedoms and repression | press release Monday January 09, 2006 15:32 by Graham O Maonaigh - Labour Youth lychair at labour dot ie http://www.labouryouth.ie +353868381556

Labour Youth has called on Dublin City Council to reverse the ban on postering that has been imposed on advertising public demonstrations in the city centre. Labour Youth believes the ban limits the rights of groups that wish to advertise public gatherings and demonstrations.

Speaking ahead of a meeting of the City Council this evening, Chair of Labour Youth Graham O’Maonaigh commented, “This postering ban – which has been in place for over a year - disproportionately affects progressive groups such as Labour Youth and limits the effectiveness of any campaign that an active organisation wishes to advertise.

“It is ridiculous that this situation exists in a free city where we hold the right to liberty and the freedom to assemble. Without holding the right to advertise a public demonstration, groups face increasing obstacles in their campaigns for equality, freedom and justice in Irish society.

“The City Council states that the ban is in place because of a littering problem, yet everyday Dubliners are inundated with flyers and free sheets which inevitably end up on the ground.

It is deplorable that the private sector is free to advertise in its own way, yet any group advocating a political or social motive is prevented from freely advertising its own demonstrations.

“Dublin City Council has a responsibility to return the right to advertise public demonstrations and meetings. This is a fundamental right in any functioning democracy.”