[Sinn Fein]

3 April 2001


Gerry Adams welcomes Dublin councillors' rejection of GPO protest curbs

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams MP has welcomed last night's [Monday night's] vote by Dublin councillors to reject new by-laws restricting the right to protest at the GPO and O'Connell Street.

Councillors voted 21 to 4 to reject the by-laws.  The Sinn Fein group was among three parties to propose emergency motions against the new legislation.

Gerry Adams praised Dublin councillors and the Freedom of Association Coalition campaign group ``for defending the right to free assembly at this historic venue, the traditional venue where people have, for decades, protested their political, trade union and civil liberties''.  The Sinn Fein president said:

``This is an important decision not just for Dubliners but for Irish people all over the island and people in struggle throughout the world with whom Irish people want to demonstrate their solidarity.''

Gerry Adams said that the leadership shown by community and campaign groups and elected representatives ``are proof of what united opposition to unjust laws and actions can achieve''.

The Sinn Fein president said he hopes that Dublin Corporation officials will drop any further attempts to curb protests in Dublin city centre. ENDS


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