Media Mayday Mayhem Continues

Sunday World, April 25th, 2004
Page 13
Headline: OPERATION NOISE

Sub Headline: We see guidelines on how to thwart May Day protest cops
By: Sean Boyne – Political Editor


Activists planning protest against EU leaders in Dublin next Saturday are being given detailed advice on how to outwit the Gardai and prevent cops gaining the upper hand.

One of the Mayday protests being planned is a “Bring the Noise” event when demonstrators will try to use whistles, drums and other objects to disrupt a dinner for EU heads of state.

The dinner is being held in the government guest house, Farmleigh, beside the Phoenix Park, on Saturday night.

It’s supposed to be a momentous day for Europe.

But there are fears of aggro on the streets next Saturday when the European Union undergoes the largest and most challenging expansion in its history, by receiving 10 new states into the EU club.

Gardai will be out in force to keep order as protestors try to give a hot reception to the EU heads of state as they gather in the State’s magnificent guesthouse Farmeligh for a celebratory dinner on Saturday night.

Britain’s Tony Blair, France’s President Chirac and German leader Gerhard Schroder are among the A-list pols expected for the glittering event.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern is hosting the dinner as Ireland currently holds the Presidency of the EU. The Sunday World has seen a document that is in circulation telling demonstrators planning to take to the streets next weekend how to survive public order situations and frustrate the police.

Among the advice given to protestors is to use a mask, or a hooded top and sunglasses to prevent the cops identifying them.

“Sitting down” is described as being “good for dissuading the police form charging…”

The document, which give no indication as to which individual or group drew it up, says that “throwing stuff” is a defensive tactic. “A constant hail of debris creates “sterilised areas” into which the police don’t want to go, thus keeping the at arm’s length”. The paper says that demonstrators should not throw to “attack or cause injury”.

The document says that matter thrown all over the place can from a barricade – horses can’t easily charge in such conditions.

There is also advice given on “de-arresting” – rescuing somebody who has grabbed by the police. Other tips include – link arms as often as possible; move quickly and calmly, never giving the police time to react.

The document advises demonstrators: “Don’t be tempted to stand there and fight – get out to where you can cause some damage or disruption without the police around”.

The advice goes on: “Keep moving around, as a group and individually, fill gaps never stand still – chaos puts the police off.

“Police attempts to divide the crowd and the formation of police lines must be nipped in the bud.”

Meanwhile, spokesperson for Irish-based groups planning protests next weekend have made it clear that their demonstrations will be peaceful.

Dublin Grassroots Network has called for the people of Dublin join in May Day parties and protests.

The groups says that the “weekend for an alternative Europe” is being organised to highlight opposition to racist “Fortress Europe” policies, the privatisation of basic services, social injustice and the increased militarization of the EU.

Spokesperson Liz Curry said: The official EU events will cause massive disruption to ordinary people’s lives. They are being held at the cost of a virtual suspension of constitutional right such as the freedom of assembly and the freedom of expression. Unlike the Government’s street party, which fell apart under pressure from business interests our parties are open to everyone.”

The authorities are taking no chances with security, amid fears that troublemakers from abroad could join in the demos. More than 2,500 troops will back-up around 4,000 gardai who will be deployed to deal with any outbreak of rioting. Gardai in riot gear will be on stand-by, and water cannons will also be available.

There is a particular security focus on Arus an Uachtarain, where EU heads of state will gather, and on Farmleigh, both in the Phoenix Park.

Army engineers have erected a protective razor wire barrier around Farmleigh.