Dublin - Up to 120,000 people protested in the Irish capital Dublin on Saturday against the government's handling of the economy and the activities of the banks during the financial crisis.

The demonstration, one of the largest ever in the city, was called for by a number of Ireland's unions. State employees vented their anger over government cutback plans and the effect that the recession, which began late in 2008, is having on workers.

One speaker referred to the government and ruling elite's "economic treason," which was responsible for the destruction of Ireland's international reputation.

In recent days a scandal over suspected corruption at the Anglo Irish Bank, which has recently been nationalized, has erupted.

The Irish government said in a statement on Saturday, that it recognised that "the measures it was taking were difficult and in some cases painful." (dpa)