Activists organising protests to coincide with the visit of President Bush have said they will not be deterred by events at the protests in Dublin at the weekend
Mr Richard Boyd-Barrett, a leader of the Irish Anti-War Movement and the organiser of the Stop Bush campaign, has accused Garda management of being "completely over the top" in its policing of the May Day protests.
Mr Boyd-Barrett claimed the operation at the weekend was in part preparation for the major security measures that would be in place for the Bush visit.
The Irish Anti-War Movement, which has the support of various political parties and trade unions, took part in one of the May Day protests, the Another Europe is Possible march from Dame Street to Heuston station, where gardaí had blocked off access to the Phoenix Park.
"We believe this is partially a dress rehearsal for the Bush visit, and it is an attempt to justify the draconian restrictions they want.
"We're determined not to allow that type of intimidation to prevent us from organising an entirely peaceful protest."
He said that during discussions on the May Day march, he told gardaí that the restrictions "were completely unnecessary", and were based on a small number of people "intent on violence".
The Stop Bush campaign is planning a large public protest in Dublin for June 25th, the evening Mr Bush arrives in Ireland.
The following morning organisers also plan to bring protesters close to wherever Mr Bush is staying, most likely Dromoland Castle in Co Clare.
The campaign is also hosting a Stop Bush concert the previous weekend in Dublin.
