Strike 4 Repeal actions take place later today

People all across Ireland are set to take part in Strike 4 Repeal actions across the country today.

Locally, actions are due to take place at midday at the main entrance of Blackpool Shopping Centre and at the bottom of St Patrick’s Hill, where it meets MacCurtain Street.

The Strike 4 Repeal actions coincide with International Women’s Day today. Organisers say they organised it following the Irish Government’s failure to set a date for a referendum on the Eighth Amendment.

A statement from the group said that these actions will be complemented by solidarity actions organised by groups across the world, responding to the “Irish State’s abysmal track record in affording adequate, humane and dignified reproductive healthcare to those living in Ireland”.

Spokesperson for Strike 4 Repeal Aoife Frances said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support for our initial call to Strike 4 Repeal. Groups from all regions of the country have responded to the call, as demonstrated by plans for simultaneous actions throughout Ireland. Our demand was quite clear and simple; that the Government call a referendum on the Eighth Amendment by International Women’s Day, or people will strike.”

Strike 4 Repeal will be holding pickets from 10.30am this morning at the Department of Justice, the Department of the Taoiseach, and the Department of Health, culminating in a public congregation on O’Connell Bridge at 12.30pm.

Another Strike 4 Repeal spokesperson Avril Corroon said: “We have support from across the political spectrum with TDs supporting the call for Strike 4 Repeal. Dublin City Council voted on Monday night to support the call.

“Actions are planned in Cork, Galway, Kerry, Waterford, Meath and other counties. Secondary school children have planned actions in schools. Businesses have decided to close down or give workers time off. Workers across the community and voluntary sector will take part.”

Solidarity actions will take place in New York, Berlin, Paris, Buenos Ares, Sydney and Montreal among other places.