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11/01/2013
Call Off 'Operation Standstill', Protesters Urged
The Alliance Party and SDLP have criticised the decision to hold further flag protests this evening, in what has been described as an attempt to bring Northern Ireland to a stand still.
Unionists and loyalists are protesting a decision by Belfast City Council to limit the number of days the union flag will fly above City Hall.
Over 100 arrests have been made, over 80 people charged and over 60 police officers injured since the protests began on 3 December.
Alliance Chief Whip Stewart Dickson remarked: "This protest has got nothing to do with a flag, it is about a major disconnect that has developed between protesters and those unionists that they have previously looked to for political representation," he said.
"Despite the intimidation and lies told about the Alliance Party, we engage with everyone to move Northern Ireland beyond our bitter divisions into a genuine shared future.
"As a result of the protests on Friday, traders will lose business, employees who leave work early could lose earnings and commuters will likely face severe traffic disruption.
"The continued disruption caused by protesters is actually turning supporters against them as most people just want to get on with their lives, taking their children to after school activities and socialising with friends."
SDLP Policing spokesperson Conall McDevitt has called on organisers to rethink the decision to mount what is expected to be the largest protest so far this evening.
He said: "We recognise and support the right of people to assemble lawfully and protest peacefully, but given the violence arising from the most recent protests, I would urge protest organisers to reflect deeply on the possible outcomes of their demonstrations, especially given that the vast majority of citizens will view further protests as highly intimidating.
"With political efforts ongoing and the destructive legacy of last week’s protests fresh in the public’s minds, there can only be one response from the PSNI to any further illegal activity arising from protests, and that is zero tolerance."
(IT)
Unionists and loyalists are protesting a decision by Belfast City Council to limit the number of days the union flag will fly above City Hall.
Over 100 arrests have been made, over 80 people charged and over 60 police officers injured since the protests began on 3 December.
Alliance Chief Whip Stewart Dickson remarked: "This protest has got nothing to do with a flag, it is about a major disconnect that has developed between protesters and those unionists that they have previously looked to for political representation," he said.
"Despite the intimidation and lies told about the Alliance Party, we engage with everyone to move Northern Ireland beyond our bitter divisions into a genuine shared future.
"As a result of the protests on Friday, traders will lose business, employees who leave work early could lose earnings and commuters will likely face severe traffic disruption.
"The continued disruption caused by protesters is actually turning supporters against them as most people just want to get on with their lives, taking their children to after school activities and socialising with friends."
SDLP Policing spokesperson Conall McDevitt has called on organisers to rethink the decision to mount what is expected to be the largest protest so far this evening.
He said: "We recognise and support the right of people to assemble lawfully and protest peacefully, but given the violence arising from the most recent protests, I would urge protest organisers to reflect deeply on the possible outcomes of their demonstrations, especially given that the vast majority of citizens will view further protests as highly intimidating.
"With political efforts ongoing and the destructive legacy of last week’s protests fresh in the public’s minds, there can only be one response from the PSNI to any further illegal activity arising from protests, and that is zero tolerance."
(IT)
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14 January 2013
Flag Protesters Defy Designated Route
The PSNI has confirmed that violence over the union flag at the weekend began when a large proportion of flag protesters broke away from an agreed designated route. About 500 people had gathered outside Belfast City Hall on Saturday to protest at Belfast City Council’s decision to restrict the flying of the union flag.
Flag Protesters Defy Designated Route
The PSNI has confirmed that violence over the union flag at the weekend began when a large proportion of flag protesters broke away from an agreed designated route. About 500 people had gathered outside Belfast City Hall on Saturday to protest at Belfast City Council’s decision to restrict the flying of the union flag.
09 January 2013
Union Flag Raised Over City Hall
The union flag has been raised over Belfast City Hall to mark the Duchess of Cambridge’s 31st birthday. The flag was raised following a sixth consecutive night of rioting and violence from loyalist protesters, who are angry at the council’s decision to restrict the flying of the union flag in line with the rest of the UK.
Union Flag Raised Over City Hall
The union flag has been raised over Belfast City Hall to mark the Duchess of Cambridge’s 31st birthday. The flag was raised following a sixth consecutive night of rioting and violence from loyalist protesters, who are angry at the council’s decision to restrict the flying of the union flag in line with the rest of the UK.
08 January 2013
Police Fire Plastic Bullets During Flag Violence
Plastic bullets have been fired by police in a fifth night of violence over the flying of the union flag which shows little sign of abating. The PSNI has confirmed weapons including hatchets and sledge hammers were used by protesters against police officers and their vehicles on the Newtownards Road.
Police Fire Plastic Bullets During Flag Violence
Plastic bullets have been fired by police in a fifth night of violence over the flying of the union flag which shows little sign of abating. The PSNI has confirmed weapons including hatchets and sledge hammers were used by protesters against police officers and their vehicles on the Newtownards Road.
06 December 2012
Ford Calls For Condemnation Of Flag Violence
Alliance Party Leader David Ford has called on the Assembly to show it is united in its opposition to violence over the union flag vote at City Hall. The call follows an escalation of attacks on Alliance offices and representatives.
Ford Calls For Condemnation Of Flag Violence
Alliance Party Leader David Ford has called on the Assembly to show it is united in its opposition to violence over the union flag vote at City Hall. The call follows an escalation of attacks on Alliance offices and representatives.
10 May 2016
Man Arrested During Protest At Woodburn Forest
Police have arrested a 57-year-old man during a protest at the drill site at Woodburn Forest near Carrickfergus, Co Antrim. Protesters carried out a "slow walk" ahead of an equipment convoy and a man scaled a rig forcing the convoy to stop. The man arrested at the scene has been released on police bail.
Man Arrested During Protest At Woodburn Forest
Police have arrested a 57-year-old man during a protest at the drill site at Woodburn Forest near Carrickfergus, Co Antrim. Protesters carried out a "slow walk" ahead of an equipment convoy and a man scaled a rig forcing the convoy to stop. The man arrested at the scene has been released on police bail.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
