Dublin braced for mass anti-war demonstration

Tomorrow's anti-war rally in Dublin is expected to be one of the biggest demonstrations in capital for many years with organisers expecting more than 20,000 people to attend.

The Irish Anti-War Movement says the rally is only the beginning of a series of actions which will include blockades, work stoppages and further protests.

The group says the aim is to pressurise the Government into disassociating itself from the looming US-led war in Iraq and to frustrate western countries like Ireland from colluding in any military action.

Speeches, music and artistic performances will take place throughout the day beginning at the Garden of Remembrance, Parnell Square, where the march starts at 2 p.m.

The march will then proceed to the Department of Foreign Affairs on St Stephen's Green before finishing at the Central Bank plaza on Dame Street at approximately 4.45 p.m.

Speakers will include the Labour Party foreign affairs spokesman, Mr Michael D. Higgins, Green Party MEP, Ms Patricia McKenna, Sinn Féin foreign affairs spokesman, Mr Aengus Ó Snodaigh, the ICTU general secretary, Mr David Begg, the SIPTU president, Mr Des Geraghty, Trocaire chairman, Bishop John Kirby, the Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral, the Very Rev Robert McCarthy, and a representative of the Islamic Cultural Centre.

Gardaí are advising motorists that traffic disruption can be expected in the city center between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.