Almost 40 rioters were arrested after republican demonstrators ran running battles with riot police across Dublin city centre over a disputed unionist parade. As order was restored to the capital, gardai confirmed that 37 people were in custody on a number of charges including public order offences, causing criminal damage and riotous behaviour. Six gardai were injured in the sustained violence as about 1,000 protestors launched attack after attack on police lines forcing the Love Ulster rally involving Orangemen and relatives of IRA murder victims to be cancelled. Up to 1,000 unionists and campaigners had planned to accuse the Irish authorities of providing a haven for terrorists during the Troubles. Eight other people suffered injuries and a number of walking wounded were also seen on the city streets after rioters used rubble from building works on O'Connell Street, the city's main thoroughfare, as missiles. Gardai said much of the rioting was fuelled by drink. Those in custody are expected to appear before the courts over the next few days. Barricades were erected by protestors at the front of the GPO on O'Connell Street, the headquarters of the 1916 Easter Rising, as rioters charged police and fought hand-to-hand battles with around 100 officers. Bins were also set on fire. Dozens of Welsh rugby fans, in Dublin for the weekend's Six Nations clash with Ireland, took refuge in hotel foyers as the violence went on. Jeffrey Donaldson, a Democratic Unionist MP and one of those due to speak at the event organised by the victims group Families Acting for Innocent Relatives (FAIR), said: "We have received a warm welcome from ordinary Dubliners, but its clear these republicans have come from north of the border and other areas intent only on causing trouble." Irish President Mary McAleese said the violence was totally unacceptable. And Taoiseach Bertie Ahern condemned those involved in the violence. |