TRAVELLERS IN 10,000-STRONG PUB BAN RALLY
Organisers vow to hit top races in bias row
TRAVELLERS have vowed to mount a 10,000-strong demo at race meetings and high-profile events in protest against alleged discrimination by publicans.
Members of the community last week voiced their frustration at what they claim is a “blanket ban” by pubs and pledged action if it is not resolved.
They organised a public meeting in Newbridge, Co Kildare, but no publicans attended and some hostelries locked their doors during the event.
Organiser James Stokes, 57, told the Irish Sunday Mirror if publicans don’t come to the negotiating table a “peaceful protest of up to 10,000 people” will take to the streets.
He said: “If they keep tarring us all with the same brush and refuse to explain why then we have no option.
“We’re going to protest at every public event we can to send the message all over the world.
“Race meetings at Leopardstown, the Curragh, Punchestown – wherever the TV cameras are we will be there.” Mr Stokes insisted Travellers are being discriminated against all over Ireland. He added: “We’re not looked on as normal human beings. When you walk into a pub you are just turned out and if you ask for a reason they say, ‘Travellers caused trouble here before’. “But not all Travellers are the same any more than all settled people are the same. It’s racial discrimination no matter how you dress it up.” Travellers are now being encouraged to report cases to the Human Rights and Equality Commission.
Pavee Point director Martin Collins said: “Some people still think it’s normal to refuse services to people based on their ethnic identity. This is racist and unacceptable.”
A spokesman for the Vintners Federation of Ireland said pubs operate under under laws which give them rights and “onerous responsibilities”.
He added: “It is the responsibility of each publican to ensure the rights and obligations are evenly applied on their premises.”