Government 'gutless' says former UN official

The former UN official, Denis Halliday, who has repeatedly spoken out against American policy towards Iraq, has described the Irish Government's position as gutless.

At a news conference today, he said that American policy towards Iraq was now being dictated by a 'crazed' President and a group of 'dirty old men' who surround him.

The Fine Gael leader, Enda Kenny, has accused the Taoiseach of speaking out of both sides of his mouth in relation to the Government's attitude to the United States.

Earlier, in the Dáil, Mr Kenny had challenged the Taoiseach to clarify the Government's position in relation to a story in today's Irish Times quoting an unnamed government source as saying that Ireland will do whatever the Americans want in relation to the Iraqi crisis.

Protest

Meanwhile, a broad alliance of organisations has announced details of what it says will be the biggest anti-war protest seen in this country in decades.

At a news conference this morning, the Campaign Against the US War in Iraq said it hoped that over 20,000 people will join the protest in Dublin.

A national demonstration will start at 2pm on Saturday from Parnell Square, finishing with a city centre rally and followed by a free concert.

The speakers will include representatives of all the political parties in the Dáil who have spoken out against the war.

The organisation also says that the President of SIPTU, Des Geraghty and the General Secretary of Congress, David Begg, will be among the speakers.

Bishop Donal Kirby who heads the Catholic Church agency, Trocaire, and the Dean of St Patrick's, are also among the speakers.