IRELAND: Creative voices in Ireland have a very different view to that of the Government in relation to Iraq, a spokesman for Writers Against the War said yesterday.
Anti-war sentiments were expressed in song and poetry as writers, musicians and artists gathered to support the international day of protest against war in Dublin on Saturday.
Blues singer Mary Coughlan, author Peter Sheridan, actress Ruth McCabe, novelist Jennifer Johnston, and poets Mark Granier and Paula Meehan were among those who attended the press conference at the Irish Writers' Centre in Parnell Square.
Mr Conor Kostick, chairman, Irish Writers' Union, said revelations that the Government intended to support the US with or without further UN resolutions made us "a junior partner in the coming slaughter".
Mr Sheridan said the war was completely unnecessary.
"I love America that's why I'm against the war," he added.
Representing Artists Against Warplanes At Shannon, Ms Coughlan read a statement signed by performers including Christy Moore, Sinéad O'Connor, Shane McGowan and Frances Black.
She said her cousin, who had married an Iraqi man, was forced to leave Ireland because their daughter was the victim of racism in school.
Ms Johnston read three short poems on war and said she didn't know anybody who was supporting attacks on Iraq: "Everybody is saying we can't do this, it is crazy."
Ruth McCabe read a new poem by Eugene McCabe which included the line: "The braying of a Texan ass may trigger our apocalypse."