Separated parents seeking better access to their children protested yesterday in a campaign for radical changes to the family law system. About 50 people carried banners and shouted slogans from the Four Courts to the GPO, stopping at the family law court at Dolphin House to observe a minute's silence in memory of fathers they say committed suicide over the anguish of losing their children.
The demonstration was organised mainly by fathers but was also supported by groups such as Parental Equality and the Parent Defence Campaign.
Organiser Mr Ray Kelly set up Unmarried Fathers of Ireland after what he called the "horrific" experience of a 3½-year legal battle involving 41 court appearances.
Mr Kelly, from Tallaght, Dublin, now has access to his children and a good relationship with their mother but he is angry that it took years to get to a situation he feels they could have reached themselves with proper mediation and support.
His campaign is calling for a referendum to establish a right for fathers to be automatically recognised in law regardless of marital status. It is also seeking mediation services and minimal involvement of lawyers where parents are on civil terms.