Estimated 80,000 attend Dublin water charge protest

ORGANISERS are claiming more than 80,000 people attended today’s anti-water charge protest in Dublin despite the severe weather warnings.

A Donegal banner was to the forefront as the marchers rounded the corner at Trinity College heading towards Dáil Eireann.

Hundreds of Donegal people headed off on 15 buses as well as in cars from around the county in early morning to join in the protest march.

While gardai have declined to give an estimate of the size of the crowd, trade unionists are saying it could be more than 80,000.

Gardai say they will not be estimating the size of the crowd – but trade unionists believe it could be over 80,000.

Sinn Féin Cllr Gary Doherty described it as a phenomenal turn-out.
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has told the crowd that the protest is “real democracy – people power”.

Independent TD Clare Daly told the crowd they were part of history and can tell their children and grandchildren that they helped to change Ireland.
“The great are whimpering and cowering behind those walls and are looking pretty shook. Because we are off our knees and saying ‘no more’,” she added.

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