Large crowd expected at anti-war rally in Dublin

Anti-war campaigners expect a turnout of more than 20,000 people in a mass demonstration in Dublin today.

Bus-loads of people from all over the State are expected to converge in the city for the march, which will assemble at Parnell Square at 3 p.m.

It will travel to Government Buildings on Merrion Street, stopping at the Dáil on the way. Speakers from political parties, trade unions and non-governmental organisations will address the rally.

Protesters will hear plans for an escalation of anti-war action, including the bombardment of the clinics of Fianna Fáil and PD deputies with visits and phone calls.

Mr Richard Boyd Barrett, chairman of the Irish Anti-War Movement, said the march would "send a clear message to Bertie Ahern that those opposed to the war will not rest until the Irish Government disassociates itself from this terrible slaughter".

Politicians and peace activists came together yesterday to endorse the protest.

Senator David Norris said opposition to the war was the "single most important issue" of his entire political career.

"It's the one I feel most strongly about. More strongly than about gay rights or any other issue."

He said people could stop this war. "We must stop this war and we must start at Shannon Airport".

Mr Boyd Barrett said this war targeted the civilian population of a poverty-stricken country to gain control of Iraq's oil supply.

"The hypocrisy of the US and Britain is absolutely stomach-churning. They are going to spend at least $75 billion on killing Iraqis and in destroying their country but only $2 billion rebuilding it. What sort of liberation is that?"

Mr Brendan Butler, co-ordinator of the NGO Peace Alliance, said people were "outraged" at the use of biblical language by the US President, Mr Bush, and the British Prime Minister, Mr Blair.

He said this was not a Christian versus Muslim situation but the two leaders were using a biblical language "to reinforce their war machine".

He quoted Mr Blair saying to the Iraqi people, "your liberation is at hand". "That is taken straight from the New Testament in the words of Jesus Christ," Mr Butler said.

The biblical language being used was giving the message to the Arab and Muslim world that this was "a crusade" and they must fight for their religion, said Ms Rabia Golden of Irish Muslims for Peace and Justice.

Many Iraqis did not want Saddam Hussein but there were other ways of removing him, she said. "Do we have to get rid of Saddam Hussein by killing thousands and thousands of innocent Iraqi people? I don't think so."

Referring to the way prisoners were being held in Guantanamo Bay, she said "Iraqi people would rather take their chances with their corrupt leader, if you like, than see that kind of democracy".

Mr Trevor Sargent, Green Party leader, said the Irish Government was the "most disgraceful example" of a supposedly neutral country which was "cravenly" declaring itself to be in support of the US.