Trade unions call for protests at visit by Bush

The trade union movement has called on all its members to protest against this weekend's visit by President George W. Bush.

Mr David Begg, general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, said Mr Bush was a "menace" who had done "untold damage, both to the American people and to the world".

"We cannot accord to him the welcome that would normally be due to the leader of a country with which we have a close affinity," Mr Begg said.

Independent TD, Dr Jerry Cowley, has called on the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, to publicly express his stated opposition to the war in Iraq while Mr Bush is here.

Speaking at a press conference hosted by the Peace and Neutrality Alliance (PANA), Dr Cowley said Mr Ahern should now "prove" he was against the war in Iraq. "He said, when over 100,000 people marched against the war in Iraq in February last year, that in his heart he was marching with those people. Let him now prove it and come out and say again he was against the war. If he does not," said Dr Cowley, "I think people will say, 'Enough of his duplicity'."

A spokesman for the Taoiseach said he would be having a bilateral meeting with Mr Bush at the weekend at which they would discuss a number of issues, including Irish attitudes towards the situation in Iraq.

Mr Finian McGrath TD, attacked the Government for allowing US military aircraft refuel at Shannon airport, saying it was a breach of Article 28.3.1 of the Constitution which provides: "War shall not be declared and the State shall not participate in any war, save with the assent of Dáil Éireann".

Mr Tony Gregory TD said he particularly objected to Mr Bush "using this neutral country as a way to help him get re-elected".

At a separate event hosted by the Stop Bush Campaign, leading trade unionists called on all workers to protest against Mr Bush's visit.

Mr Jack O'Connor, president of SIPTU, said that as a trade unionist he would like to be welcoming a president of the US. "But we are not in a situation to be able to welcome a president in the personage of George Bush. We are not because of his escapade in Iraq," he said.

Mr Des Bonass of the Dublin Council of Trades Unions said Mr Bush was "never really elected" and "since coming to power the world is a much more dangerous place".

Other trade unionists present were Mr Mick O'Reilly of the ATGWU, Mr Gareth Keogh of Union of Students in Ireland and Mr Brendan Archbold of Mandate.

In Dublin yesterday evening 100 white "flags of peace" were raised by the deputy Lord Mayor, Mr Andrew Montague, along the north quays of the Liffey, extending from Liberty Hall to the Civic Offices. The event was mandated by members of Dublin City Council in May, to coincide with the Bush visit, as a "symbol of solidarity with the UN and support for international law".

Anti-Bush protests will take place in Dublin tomorrow and in Co Clare on Saturday. Tomorrow's protests will leave Parnell Square at 7 p.m. for a march to Government Buildings. On Saturday protesters will assemble at Clarecastle, Co Clare, at 10 a.m. and march to Toomebridge, for a rally and music at about midday. Buses will leave Dublin at 6 a.m. on Saturday from Liberty Hall.