'Can't Pay? ... Won't Pay!

Happened upon this demonstration while strolling around Cork after a conference. There is widespread anger at the introduction of water charges in Ireland - see here for an explanation of why it's a problem.

What was remarkable was that between one and two thousand people were able to take over the main shopping street on a Saturday afternoon, entirely self-stewarded. I saw no police presence whatever - not one. Contrast this, the following day in London's fair city.