Cork protests at EU Health Ministers' mini-summit

cork | anti-war / imperialism | news report Tuesday May 11, 2004 15:52 by John - Cork Anti-War Campaign

Several dozen protesters from a range of campaigning groups demonstrated outside Cork's Rochestown Park Hotel this morning (Tuesday) at the opening day of an 'informal' European Union Health Ministers gathering.

There was tight garda security around the hotel and at the exclusive Hayfield Manor Hotel across the city where some of the ministers will be staying. Busloads of uniformed gardai were ferried between both hotels.

A number of campaign groups gathered under the slogan "No Prescriptions for Profit". Groups represented included Cork Anti-War Campaign, Irish Anti-War, Cork Women's Right to Choose Campaign, the Cork Grassroots Network, the Workers' Party and a number of activists highlighting the state's appalling record on mental health.

Tomorrow is expected to see an even larger protest with a demonstration organised by the Cork Anti-War Campaign objecting to the presence of the US Health & Social Services Minister Tommy Thompson, a close ally of George W. Bush and vocal warmonger in his own right.

The CAWC picket commences from 8am at the Rochestown Park Hotel and should conclude by lunchtime.