Political parties warn peace activists to avoid Shannon protest
Fears are mounting that a planned anti-war protest at Shannon Airport today will lead to violence and vandalism.
A group calling itself 'Grassroots Gathering' has encouraged anti-war activists to breach airport security by damaging the perimeter fence at the airport.
Many peace groups have now made the decision to stay away from Shannon today, the Peace and Neutrality Alliance will instead hold a candle light vigil outside the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin at 2pm today.
Labour, the Greens and Sinn Fein have called on their supporters to join the peace vigil.
Sinn Fein TD Aengus O'Snodaigh has said the Shannon controversy must not distract from the central message of peace.
"The Ard Comhairle has taken a decision to ask all the Sinn Fein activists and supporters to attend the candle light vigil and protest at the Department of Foreign Affairs, because we believe that the controversy surrounding Shannon is going to distract from the central message that the Irish people don't support the war in Iraq and want the Government to state clearly that fact."
