Tens Of Thousands March In Cork

by Ray - Cork WSM Sat Nov 07, 2009 12:16

Good to see so many people at the march. It was a diverse group of marchers too - public- and private-sector workers, unemployed people, pensioners, students, and it's a welcome reminder if any were needed of the widespread anger felt by that diverse multitude over how and for whom this society's being run.

March about to start, Lapps Quay

More marchers starting off from Lapps Quay

The protest march on Parnell Place

More marchers starting off their city centre route

The head of the march on Grand Parade

by Ray - Cork WSM Sat Nov 07, 2009 13:02

Speeches from Joe O'Flynn (Siptu general secretary) and others (sorry don't have names) mentioned future action to come if the government doesn't listen (to them I presume), and praised the marchers for 'the strong message we're sending out to the government today'. There was also much talk of a better fairer way, which is the slogan that ICTU have for their strategy for helping Ireland's rich get out of the crisis that Ireland's rich created. The rich only shared crumbs from the so-called Celtic Tiger with the rest of us begrudgingly, and only after years of evasion and deceit on the rich folks' part. On the other hand, the rich generously invite everyone else to share in their losses. €60 billion and counting for the banks, Lenihan et al are out there protecting Ireland Inc's low-tax economy for corporations, so cuts in services, wages (both public and private, there'll be no artificial divide there!), and social welfare will be on the menu they'll serve.
More than just marches will be needed to stop the government and the business community making us pay for their crisis. The further action called for the 24th of November (and for which balloting is continuing) can help to keep the momentum for action going. Organise for a general strike!

P.S. - a number of Cork Shell to Sea members distributed 600+ copies of the 'Someday Independent' at the march. the leaflet was very well-received, though it was disappointing to hear no mention from the speakers of this second robbery that's being perpetrated on the Irish people. Mind you, the marchers showed much more awareness of this issue that those who would lead them; that is always the way with these things.

Marchers making their way down Grand Parade

More marchers, Grand Parade

More people coming down Grand Parade

Still more people on the march, Grand Parade.

Listening to the speeches, on the Grand Parade.

by Gimme me more video Sat Nov 07, 2009 18:02

Tommy Hogan former Waterford Crystal Worker calls for National Strike from the platform in Waterford- 3.35 minutes.

Caption: Video Id: 2CYfB3fLD1k Type: Youtube Video
Tommy Hogan former Waterford Crystal Worker calls for National Strike