Blair pelted with shoes and eggs in Dublin

Sky News

Tony Blair has faced the wrath of around 200 anti-war protesters and an attempted citizen's arrest during the first public signing of his rapidly-selling memoirs in Dublin.

Shoes and eggs were hurled at the former prime minister and scuffles broke out upon his arrival at Eason's bookstore in the Irish capital, despite heavy security.

Activists clashed with Gardai as they tried to push down a security barrier outside the O'Connell Street shop, which had already been locked down in the anticipation of trouble.

Officials exerted far more control inside, although protester Katie O'Sullivan succeeded in infiltrating the signing to attempt to make a citizen's arrest for war crimes.

She told Sky News she was swiftly evicted, seconds after addressing the former prime minister.

The missiles hurled missed Mr Blair after he had emerged from the back of a car surrounded by a security team who shielded him with umbrellas.

There was more unrest as he emerged from the bookstore after the signing session a couple of hours later.



The campaigners, who turned out in the pouring rain, chanted: "Hey hey Tony hey, how many kids have you killed today?"

They also shouted: "Tony Blair war criminal", "Arrest the butcher Blair" and "Blair Blair Bush's man and blood blood on their hands".

Protesters also shouted abuse at customers and supporters of Mr Blair as they left
the store with their newly-signed books.

Undercover detectives had mingled with the crowds taking names before Mr Blair arrived at the shop at about 10.30am.

The city tram service was suspended as Gardai blocked off streets surrounding the city centre store.

Shops in the area also closed, with Penny's department store pulling down its shutters as scuffles broke out.

Those attending had already been prepped with stringent security measures and been issued with wristbands after passing through the cordon.

All bags, purses and phones were ordered to be left at a holding point, while customers were also barred from taking photographs and told personal dedications were also off limits.

Mr Blair was expected to spend around an hour signing copies of A Journey, the account of his political career which has already recorded unprecedented sales figures since its release earlier this week.

Those keen for a signature had queued since the early morning.

Sky News' Ireland correspondent David Blevins, in Dublin, said Mr Blair's attempts to begin his book signing tour outside the UK in the hope it would limit trouble had "backfired".

He forecasted a vociferous response earlier, saying: "There will be a number of anti-war protesters. Some have already gathered outside and they are expected to increase in number. They are determined to make their voice heard."

why? was he an hour late like axl rose or is the new way dubliners say hello these days? maybe antonette can throw some light, or something, on this.

Marky wrote:why? was he an hour late like axl rose or is the new way dubliners say hello these days? maybe antonette can throw some light, or something, on this.

Maybe it's cos the Irish are a bit like the Scots, not afraid to get out there and shout!

Apparently Ireland was chosen because Tony believed he would get a good reception since he secured the
Peace Deal. An Irish Reporter said that Maggie Thatcher was the first PM to broach the subject of Peace, John
Major had a go and Mo Mowlam was doing well until Sinn Fein decided she was too lightweight . However, he agreed that Tony was instrumental in getting the Peace deal signed.

Tony"s Biographer said the Protesters were in the minority and literally hundreds were queuing up to buy the Book and get it signed.

AnnaEsse wrote:

Marky wrote:why? was he an hour late like axl rose or is the new way dubliners say hello these days? maybe antonette can throw some light, or something, on this.

Maybe it's cos the Irish are a bit like the Scots, not afraid to get out there and shout!

unlike the english who grumble and then get on with their pint.

What a waste of shoe's and eggs...........