IRELAND: A plaque in memory of the murdered journalist and trade union activist, Martin O'Hagan, was unveiled in Belfast yesterday as part of Irish May Day commemorations.
O'Hagan, who was shot dead by loyalist paramilitaries last September, was secretary of the National Union of Journalists' Belfast and district branches, and had carried the union's banner in the last two May Day parades in the city.
The plaque in his honour was unveiled at Transport House, the offices of the TGWU, on High Street, Belfast, ahead of the start of yesterday's rally.
Organised by the Northern Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, the Belfast parade saw protests from trade unionists over the growing threat against workers after the murders of postman Danny McColgan last January, and O'Hagan.
In Dublin up to 30 trade unions were represented at a May Day parade from the Garden of Remembrance to the James Connolly monument at Beresford Place, next to Liberty Hall. Mr Des Bonasss, president of the Dublin Council of Trade Unions, which organised the event, said it was focused on the issues of domestic waste charges and healthcare.
"We are calling on the city council and other local authorities to dump the bin tax, and we are also seeking an end to hospital waiting lists," he said.
The march followed a protest at the GPO by Globalise Resistance against the rise of anti-immigration, far-right politicians in Europe, including France's Mr Jean-Marie Le Pen.
Earlier, the Labour Party marked its 90th birthday at an event at the James Connolly monument.
The Labour Party leader, Mr Ruairí Quinn, defended his party's commitment to creating two new public holidays if elected to government, to add to the May Day holiday which was first introduced ten years ago.
"Holidays allow workers relieve pressures and recharge batteries. And in Ireland, we have among the lowest number of public holidays in Europe," he added.
