A large crowd of protesters held demonstrations in Dublin protesting against the Covid-19 vaccine passport and other restrictions. Protesters held placards with anti-lockdown messages while waving Irish flags as well as flags from other nations including the U.S. Protesters gathered at Custom House Quay before making their way to Government Buildings where a number of speeches took place. Rollingnews.ie photo.
By Anthony Neeson
Several hundred people brought traffic to a standstill in the center of Dublin on Saturday, July 24, protesting against the new Covid vaccine certificates.
The certificates are for adults to avail of indoor dining and hospitality. Protestors heard that this would lead to a “two-tier society."
Others were protesting at the roll-out of Covid vaccinations, while many of those who took part carried Irish tricolors but did not wear face coverings. The protest started at Customs House Square and ended at Government Buildings where speeches were made.
There was a large Garda presence throughout the demonstration.
Messages included "Leave Our Kids Alone," "Make Éire Great Again," "RTÉ Government Propaganda Machine" and "I Am Not A QR Code." One couple wore t-shirts reading "I Tested Positive For Common Sense."
One of the speakers told those gathered: “My heart is lifted to hear that there are so many people here who have been vaccinated but who say they do not support a two-tier society.”
He called for a “dissolution of every one of our corrupt institutions of this country – the judiciary system, the health system, the political system and most definitely our media, our treacherous media who sold us out. We will never forget that.”
The protest passed off peacefully.
One hundred miles up the road in Belfast hundreds marched with many carrying anti-vaccine messages.
Marchers made their way from City Hall to Botanic Gardens where speeches were made. The PSNI were in attendance.
Superintendent Nigel Henry said: “Officers have engaged with those present, including the organizer, in relation to the significant volume of people in attendance – some of whom were on the road – to ensure public safety.”
In the Republic, over 5.5 million vaccines have been administered, which is 83 percent of eligible population having received a first dose and 68 percent fully vaccinated. Over one million people have been fully vaccinated in Northern Ireland which equates to 70 percent of the adult population.
