The "illegal war on Iraq" is set to be the main issue of protest at May Day trade union rallies in Dublin and Cork this evening.
The rallies have been organised by the Dublin and Cork Councils of Trade Unions, with the Dublin and Cork branches of the Irish Anti-War Movement pledging their support.
The "illegal war" in Iraq and the use of Shannon airport by the US military will be top of the agenda, according to SIPTU co-ordinator Mr Eric Fleming.
"The role of our Government has been disgraceful and opportunistic in this affair and is a clear breach of our neutrality. We will present a challenge to these policies," he said.
The Dublin march is set to begin at 7 p.m. and will see participants march from Parnell Square, down O'Connell Street, to a rally at Beresford Place near Liberty Hall. Traffic restrictions will be in place along the route for the duration of the march, which is expected to last about an hour.
Speakers at the Dublin rally will include Senator Joe O'Toole, SIPTU's Mr Eric Fleming, Chair of the Peace and Neutrality Alliance Mr Roger Cole and the Irish Anti-War Movement's Mr Richard Boyd Barrett.
In Cork, marchers will assemble outside Connolly Hall on Lapps Quay at 5.30 p.m. and proceed to Daunt's Square via Parnell Place, Merchant's Quay and Patrick. Traffic restrictions will be in place along the 45-minute route.
Both parades are expected to attract large numbers of marchers, though organisers have not provided any official estimates for turnout.