Margaretta D'Arcy – Women TDs tie yellow ribbons at Dáil for jailed Shannon anti-war activist

» Mark Moloney

'This brave woman is languishing in Limerick Prison in defence of Irish neutrality and against the use of Shannon Airport by the US war machine" - Cllr Mícheál Mac Donncha

WOMEN TDs – including Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald – tied yellow ribbons to the railings of the Dáil on Tuesday morning in support of jailed anti-war activist Margaretta D'Arcy (79). Dublin City Council passed a motion on Monday night calling for her immediate release.

The award-winning playwright, actress and director, who is receiving treatment for cancer, was convicted of trespassing onto the runway during a protest against the use of Shannon Airport by the US military and the CIA.

Female TDs Mary Lou McDonald, Clare Daly, Maureen O'Sullivan, Catherine Murphy and Joan Collins tied yellow ribbons to the gates of Leinster House on Tuesday in a symbolic protest marking Margaretta D'Arcy's twenty-first day behind bars in Limerick Prison.

There were no representatives of Labour, Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil.

The TDs taking part in the demosntration organised by the Peace and Neutrality Alliance (PANA) renewed their call for her immediate release and for the Irish Government to stop Shannon Airport being used as a US military hub.

PANA told reporters in a statement:

"Margaretta is still refusing to sign a bond that would restrict her right, and that of other anti-war activists, to protest at Shannon Airport in their continuing efforts to peacefully prevent the use of the airport by the US military."

On Monday night, Dublin City Council passed a motion, tabled by Sinn Féin Donaghmede Councillor Mícheál Mac Donncha calling for the immediate release of the anti-war activist.

Speaking to An Phoblacht, he said:

"This brave woman is languishing in Limerick Prison in defence of Irish neutrality and against the use of Shannon Airport by the US war machine."

Monaghan Town Council and Cavan County Council have also previously passed motions calling for her release.