Gardai clash with anti-war protesters outside Dail

Gardaí dressed in riot gear clashed with anti-war protesters outside the Dail this evening.

Hundreds of protesters were staging a sit-down protest outside against the Iraq war and the US military use of Shannon Airport.

Gardaí removed several of those on sit-down protest in Molesworth Street, but many returned and a stand-off developed. One of those removed was Socialist Party TD, Mr Joe Higgins.

One person was arrested.

Around 400 people are thought to be taking part in the protest, which got under way shortly after 7 p.m.

Riot squad officers withdrew after negotiations with the protest organisers.