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Updated: 22nd February 2009, 0800 hrs
Tens of thousands march against cutbacks in Ireland
Nearly 100,000 people have marched through Dublin city in recession-hit Ireland to protest government cutbacks in the face of a deepening recession and bailouts for banks.
Ireland's Prime Minister Brian Cowen is under pressure from Brussels and ratings agencies to squeeze a ballooning budget deficit.
He was planning to introduce a pension levy on some 350 thousand public servants and freeze their pay.
In a statement ahead of the march, the government said the measures were necessary to show international investors that Ireland is tackling its finances.
But public anger over the proposals has hammered Mr Cowen's approval ratings and those of his party to record lows.
The Dublin protest comes ahead of strikes later this month and next month by public sector clerical workers and bus drivers.
It marks a clear break in peaceful industrial relations in Ireland, which had been an important contributor to the success of the "Celtic Tiger" economy.
Tens of thousands march against cutbacks in Ireland
Nearly 100,000 people have marched through Dublin city in recession-hit Ireland to protest government cutbacks in the face of a deepening recession and bailouts for banks.
Ireland's Prime Minister Brian Cowen is under pressure from Brussels and ratings agencies to squeeze a ballooning budget deficit.
He was planning to introduce a pension levy on some 350 thousand public servants and freeze their pay.
In a statement ahead of the march, the government said the measures were necessary to show international investors that Ireland is tackling its finances.
But public anger over the proposals has hammered Mr Cowen's approval ratings and those of his party to record lows.
The Dublin protest comes ahead of strikes later this month and next month by public sector clerical workers and bus drivers.
It marks a clear break in peaceful industrial relations in Ireland, which had been an important contributor to the success of the "Celtic Tiger" economy.
