“The real purpose of the ongoing massive garda [police] operation is to deter and intimidate people from engaging in protests against the visit by the commander-in-chief of the British military.”-Louise Minihan, Dublin City Council member

Several Irish protesters were arrested just before Queen Elizabeth II set foot on the Emerald Isle.  Arrests were made not only in the Republic of Ireland, but in Northern Ireland as well.

One group, “Eirigi”,  has announced plans to occupy the Garden of Remembrance.  The queen is scheduled to lay a wreath to remember the Irish who fought for independence from her own royal family.

In Northern Ireland, members of the Irish Republican Army said the queen’s visit is “the final insult”, and is proof that armed resistance must continue.