Irish protests: Anti-war protests are planned today and tomorrow as the Irish Anti-War Movement and others call for workers and students to join in "planet-wide" protests against the US-led attacks on Iraq.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions is organising a "national peace vigil" today between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
The vigil is part of a Europe-wide campaign against the war, initiated by the European Trade Union Confederation.
In Dublin the silent vigil will be held at the Millennium Spire in O'Connell Street, where 16 children from different ethnic origins representing 16 million children in Iraq will release 250 paper doves attached to helium balloons.
In provincial cities and towns union members are asked to assemble outside their local post offices today between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to stand in silent vigil.
Mr David Begg, general secretary of ICTU, said the vigil would give workers the opportunity to express opposition to "this unjustified war".
Organisers of a rally in Dublin tomorrow expect a turnout of about 5,000, while similar events are to be staged in other centres.
The Dublin protest is to be jointly organised by the Peace and Neutrality Alliance, the Irish Anti-War Movement and the NGO Alliance. Those wishing to take part have been asked to assemble at the Central Bank in Dame Street at 2 p.m. The march will pass by College Green and head down Nassau Street. It will continue past Leinster House in Kildare Street and on to Merrion Street. The protesters will stop at Government Buildings, which houses the Taoiseach's Office. A rally will take place there and the crowd is expected to have dispersed by about 5 p.m. The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, is not expected to be in his office on Saturday.
The Cork Anti-War Campaign is also organising an anti-war protest for tomorrow. Protesters will assemble in Daunt Square at 1 p.m. and march through the city centre. Up to 4,000 people attended a march earlier this month.
Another peace rally will be held in Guildhall Square, Derry, at 3 p.m. tomorrow.
In Belfast a march begins at 2 p.m. at the Arts College end of Donegall Street. Groups from other parts of Belfast will join the march to the City Hall.
The Waterford march will also start at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Peace activists supported by the Waterford Council of Trade Unions will proceed from the Glen to Red Square.
The Sligo Anti-War Movement will assemble at the City Hall in Quay Street at 3 p.m. to march through the town.
In Galway, protesters will assemble at Father Burke Park, Father Griffin Road, at 1 p.m. and march through the city.
Speaking outside the Dáil yesterday, Mr Richard Boyd Barrett of the Irish Anti-War Movement said the protests were already "rocking the establishment. Bush did not expect this. What we do here will be very important."