PHOTOS Dresden's all set.

Mary O'Rourke, leader of the Irish senate, said she had turned down the US embassy dinner to mark Mr Bush's visit. She said: "I have no animosity for the US but I have animosity for the president who pushed through the war policy in the absence of a UN mandate."

More than 170 Irish lawyers signed a petition against Mr Bush this week. Fergal Kavanagh, who was defense counsel for a Rwandan government minister accused of war crimes at the UN tribunal, said Mr Bush should be arrested by Irish police when his plane lands if it emerged that he had knowledge of the torture of prisoners in Iraq.

Brendan Nix, a barrister, said: "I find the thought that President Bush will use Ireland to get re-elected very disturbing."

Church leaders of various denominations have added their voices to the opposition.

Anti-Bush protests have been gathering momentum for weeks. The Irish folk singer Christy Moore has recorded an anti-Bush single with Damien Rice called Lonely Soldier. Proceeds will help the anti-war movement. White peace flags have gone up around Dublin, which will be the venue for a big anti-war protest tonight.

Tomorrow protesters will rally near Dromoland castle and march to Shannon airport, from where Mr Bush is due to depart. But the Irish Anti-War Movement is considering legal action against the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland after its adverts were taken off air.

Six thousand police and Irish army personnel and nearly 1,000 US and private security guards have shut down a swath of County Clare, sealing manholes, building security fences and sparking rumors that local a golf course is being scoured with metal detectors. Some indignant residents issued with passes and forced to name all those living in their homes have likened it to life under the notorious Black and Tans, British police auxiliaries of the 1920s.

Since it has been declared that the American president will visit Dresden, the whole city is most excited and very happy. The eyes of the world will be directed to us during these days. Being the Mayor of Dresden, I know what that means to our city. It is a honorable challenge for the City Administration as well as for all citizens to introduce their beautiful city to everyone in the world. Welcome to Dresden!

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