Hundreds Attend Protest Rally in Cork

Hundreds Attend Protest Rally in Cork Around 200 people attended a rally last night to protest against the government's economic policies and the IMF/ECB intervention in our affairs.

Sinn Féin had originally invited people to attend a protest vigil at the National Monument at 6pm. However when large numbers turned up it was decided to march through the Grand Parade and Patrick Street, in the course of which many more members of the public joined in. The rally was addressed by Sinn Féin Cllrs Jonathan O'Brien and Chris O'Leary, as well as economist Tom O'Connor. Speaking afterwards, Cllr O'Leary said: "The turnout for last night's protest, which was organised at less than a day's notice, demonstrates the anger that is out there at the way the government, having brought the country to its knees, has now sold our sovereignty to the EU and IMF to rescue the banks."

"The location of the vigil - at the National Monument, inscribed with the names of those who led the struggle for Irish freedom from 1798 onwards - was particularly symbolic." "People do not want Brian Cowen clinging to power until some time in January, so that he can wreak even more devastation on the country with a slash-and-burn budget. They want Fianna Fail out and an election now." "People deserve the chance to choose alternative policies that will stimulate the economy and provide jobs, not more of the same failed policies of the last two years."

"We will be protesting again outside City Hall Wednesday night, where councillors will be considering a budget that looks set to impose savage cutbacks in local services. Once again we invite the people of Cork to join us. It is time to stand up. We cannot sit on our hands and watch as our sovereignty is pawned in the interests of foreign bondholders and the economic prospects of our children are destroyed." For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O'Leary 087/2794307