Irish Republican News · October 13, 2003

Thousands march in support of jailed bin tax protestors

Thousands of protesters staged a rally outside Mountjoy Prison in Dublin on Saturday to demand the release of jailed anti-bin charge campaigners.

The rally, which took place after a march from Parnell Square, was organised by the Dublin Council of Trade Unions, which plans a continued campaign against local authority service charges.

Ten people were jailed by the High Court last week when they refused to give undertakings not to interfere with Dublin City Council's bin collection services. Socialist Party politicians Mr Joe Higgins TD and Cllr Clare Daly are also serving sentences for defying a High Court order.

On arrival at Mountjoy Prison, a Dublin Council of Trade Unions delegation handed in a letter of solidarity to be distributed to jailed protesters.

Sinn Féin Dublin City Councillors called for the immediate release of jailed anti-bin tax campaigners. The Councillors are calling for the group leaders of all parties on the City Council to come together to seek the release of Dubliners who have been jailed and to try and find a resolution of this issue.

Speaking in the City this morning Sinn Féin Group leader on Dublin City Council Christy Burke said:

``We are calling for all of the Group leaders on the City Council to come together with the City Manager and relevant personnel to look for the release of Dubliners who have been jailed and to try and reach a resolution of this issue.

``This is a political issue that should be resolved politically and at this stage I think it is important that breathing space is created and that the Council immediately stop its confrontational approach of demanding the jailing of people who are engaged in peaceful protest.

``I want to congratulate the Trade Union movement for taking the initiative today in organising this march and we look forward to working with them on this campaign and bringing it to a successful conclusion.''

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