ABC News Reported Thu Apr 3, 2003 11:46am AEST
Irish police wearing riot gear have clashed with protesters outside the gates of the country’s parliament in central Dublin, a spokesman said.
“Two people have been arrested in connection with public order offences,” the spokesman said.
About 400 anti-war activists staged a sit-down at the Kildare Street entrance of the Dail, the lower house of Parliament.
They were protesting against the Iraq war and the continued use of Ireland’s Shannon Airport to transit and refuel US troop-carrying aircraft on their way to the Gulf and bombing missions in Iraq.
Riot police cleared the way for legislators leaving Parliament by car.
Amongst those lifted out of the way by police was the Socialist Party’s only MP, Joe Higgins, a strong opponent of the war.