Commission President visits Limerick
Opponents to the Lisbon Treaty protest outside Limerick City Hall during the visit by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso
The President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Barroso visited Limerick on Saturday where he announced the approval of funding for Dell workers to the tune of €14.8m
The aid comes from the European Globalisation Fund, and will be used for assisting redundant Dell workers in training and employment.
The Irish Government will add a further €6m to the fund.
In the morning, Borroso, accompanied by Mayor of Limerick Kevin Kiely, Defence Minister Willie O’Dea and Minister of State Peter Power, paid a visit to Limerick City Hall.
A coalition of anti-Lisbon campaigners, including Sinn Féin, The Socialist Party, Say NO to Lisbon Campaign, and PANA, mounted a protest outside City Hall to coincide with the visit.
During his visit, the president was accused by Sinn Féin councilor Maurice Quinlivan of interfiering in the Lisbon Referrendum with the timing of his visit.
In the afternoon, Borroso visited the University of Limerick where he gave a brief address, and fielded questions from those who attended.