THOUSANDS OF PROTESTORS EXPECTED TO MARCH TO LABOUR CONFERENCE

Date Published: 14-Apr-2012

Thousands of protestors are expected to gather in the city this lunchtime to demonstrate at Labour's centenary conferenance.

Extra Gardaí have been deployed to the city to reinforce the Galway compliment who have a police strategy in place for the weekend.

Up to 30 organisations and groups such as the campaign against the household charge, UNITE trade union, turf cutters and septic tank owners will march to the Bailey Allen Hall at NUI Galway from 2 o' clock.

It's day two of the conference and polling for chair of the Labour party gets underway in the next hour. (11am)

Galway West TD Derek Nolan, Galway East TD Colm Keaveney and former Waterford TD Brian O' Shea are competing for the chair.

Deputy Keaveney says the chairperson position offers an opportunity to listen to 'grassroot members'

Deputy Nolan says the chairperson could take the pressure off the labour leader and deputy leader

Brian O' Shea has served in the office since 2007, and previously withstood two challenges to his position.

Poliing will continue until 4pm with the winner expected to be officially announced at 8pm.

Debates will take place today on the economy, jobs, health and education - Eamon Gilmore says the message is that the job of fixing the economy, continues.