Video: Free Margaretta D'Arcy protest at Leinster House

» Mark Moloney

"The government must act now and stop turning a blind eye to the misuse of Shannon airport. We praise Margaretta for the brave stance she has taken. She should be released immediately."

TDs, SENATORS and members of the public gathered outside Leinster House on Wednesday afternoon to demand the release of jailed peace activist Margaretta D'Arcy, who is serving three months in prison for protesting against the US military's use of Shannon Airport.

The award-winning playwright, actress and director who suffers from Parkinson's disease and is also receiving treatment for cancer is currently incarcerated in Limerick prison.

She was convicted of trespassing onto the runway during a protest against the use of Shannon Airport by the US military.

Speaking at the protest which was organised by the Peace and Neutrality Alliance (PANA), Sinn Féin Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh hit out at the Tánaiste and the Labour Party who previously opposed the US military's use of the airport but are now actively facilitating it. 

The Galway senator told protesters:

"The government must act now and stop turning a blind eye to the misuse of Shannon airport. We praise Margaretta for the brave stance she has taken. She should be released immediately."

There have been widespread allegations and reports that some of the US military flights landing at the airport carry prisoners being subjected to extraordinary rendition but the Garda have said they will not inspect the aircraft.