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DUBLIN: Thousands of demonstrators marched through Dublin on Saturday to protest against US President Donald Trump\u2019s visit to Ireland, with campaigners condemning his policies on foreign affairs, climate, immigration and social issues, according to The Irish Times.<\/p>\n
The Dublin protest drew a broad mix of political parties, campaign groups, trade unions and unaffiliated demonstrators, The Irish Times reported. Organizers said about 25,000 people attended, although the newspaper said the actual number was likely lower.<\/p>\n
Marchers walked from the Garden of Remembrance to the D\u00e1il, carrying Palestinian flags and placards criticizing Trump over issues including Gaza, racism, misogyny, climate policy and US military activity.<\/p>\n
One protester quoted by The Irish Times said the crowd was intended to send a message of opposition, adding: \u201cWith Trump, the only people on the streets are here to oppose him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another protester, Holly Eustance, told the newspaper that Trump\u2019s policies threatened vulnerable species and the planet, saying war and climate change caused widespread destruction while political and economic systems favored billionaires over people.<\/p>\n
The march was largely peaceful, though The Irish Times reported that a masked breakaway group, Anti-Imperialist Action, burned a US flag near Molesworth Street, set off firecrackers and chanted against the presence of US troops at Shannon Airport.<\/p>\n
Speakers outside the D\u00e1il criticized the Irish government\u2019s handling of Trump\u2019s visit. Labour TD Ciar\u00e1n Ahern accused officials of \u201csycophancy,\u201d while Senator Alice Mary Higgins described the trip as a \u201cgrotesque pantomime,\u201d according to The Irish Times.<\/p>\n
Trump earlier appeared to dismiss questions about the protests, suggesting they were probably \u201cfriendly,\u201d but demonstrators quoted in the Irish newspaper said their message was that he was not welcome in Ireland.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n