Social Affairs

Protesters gathering for anti-austerity march

Thousands expected to present ‘red cards’ to EU ministers outside meeting in Dublin Castle

Socialist TD Joe Higgins said the austerity agenda being pursued by the Government and the EU is ‘destroying millions of lives’. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
Socialist TD Joe Higgins said the austerity agenda being pursued by the Government and the EU is ‘destroying millions of lives’. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times
Ciara Kenny
Sat Apr 13 2013 - 12:20

Thousands of people are expected to attend a protest against the property tax in Dublin today.

The march, which departs from Parnell Square at 12.30pm, is being organised by Campaign Against Home and Water Taxes (CAHWT).

Protesters will walk to Dublin Castle where they will issue “red cards” to EU finance ministers, who are meeting there for the second day today.

Speaking earlier this week, Socialist Party TD Joe Higgins said the symbolic gesture would send a message to EU ministers and the Government that "their austerity agenda, in the interests of financial markets, is destroying millions of lives".

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"The draconian property tax legislation is the latest manifestation of this in Ireland, " he said. "If the people don't sign up for this austerity tax, they are threatened with forcible deduction — the same type of robbery that was threatened against the people of Cyprus. "

Ciara Kenny

Ciara Kenny

Ciara Kenny, founding editor of Irish Times Abroad, a section for Irish-connected people around the world, is Editor of the Irish Times Magazine