Our home is YOUR home

Tanaiste tells crowd support for refugees is there 'as long as you need'

- GRAINNE NI AODHA

TANAISTE Micheal Martin told crowds of Ukrainian nationals and Irish supporters on the first anniversary of Russia's invasion yesterday: "Our home is your home." 

Hundreds of people gathered outside Dublin's famous GPO building on O'Connell Street draped in yellow and blue.

Many donned flower crowns and held up signs calling for an end to the bloodshed and calling out the war crimes of Vladimir Putin's forces.

They chanted "Thank you Ireland" and "Slava Ukraini" and the Ukrainian and Irish anthems were played before speakers addressed the crowd, including Ukrainian Ambassador Larysa Gerasko and political leaders.

Mr Martin was applauded after stating that Ireland's friendship would be extended "for as long as you need". He  said it was outside the GPO that Ireland's republic was proclaimed and pledged that we would continue to support Ukraine in its application for EU membership.