Radio advertisements urging people to attend a Dublin concert later this month condemning the Iraqi war have been taken off the air following action by the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI), it has emerged.
The Irish Anti-War Movement (IAWM) had wanted to promote an "anti-war" Point Depot concert on June 19th, featuring Christy Moore and other artists in advance of President Bush's Irish visit.
However, the advertisements ran into trouble with the BCI, which on Thursday instructed a number of stations to drop SIPTU's criticism of the Government's decentralisation plans.
Ironically, it appears that the IAWM has landed in trouble with the regulatory body because earlier this month it registered its "Stop Bush Campaign" as a political party.
Under regulatory rules, commercial radio and television stations are not allowed to broadcast advertisements from political organisations, or those with a political aim.
However, political parties are allowed by local authorities to put up posters, and then only for a limited period around campaign. Other organisations get littering fines.
One independent station executive, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the BCI had not yet decided if the advertisement could be broadcast: "They are usually pretty fast about making a ruling," she said.
Condemning the restrictions last night, the Irish Anti-War Movement claimed that it had resulted from "pressure to silence opposition" in the run-up to President Bush's visit to Dromoland Castle on June 25th.
The concert, which takes place in the Point Depot on June 19th, will feature Christy Moore, Damien Rice, Mary Black, Kila, The Revs, Katell Keineg and Après Match comedian, Barry Murphy.
The BCI has also informed the Irish Anti-War Movement that separate radio advertisements calling on the public to attend protests against Mr Bush will not be broadcast.
