Decision to protest in Irish capital raises fears of violence after riot six years ago

This article is more than 7 years old

This article is more than 7 years old

Ulster loyalists are planning to demonstrate in Dublin over the decision to restrict the flying of the union flag 100 miles away in Belfast. The decision to protest in the Irish capital next weekend will raise fears of a repeat of the Love Ulster march in Dublin six years ago, which degenerated into a major riot in the city.

The loyalist victims' campaigner Willie Frazer has confirmed that he has informed the Garda Síochána that he and his followers will hold a peaceful protest in Dublin next Saturday. Frazer was one of the organisers of the Love Ulster demonstration, which marched to the Dáil but triggered rioting and disorder across central Dublin.

The last demonstration by loyalists in Dublin resulted in rioting throughout the city centre with shops looted and Garda officers being attacked with petrol bombs and missiles along the city's main thoroughfare in O'Connell Street.

Loyalists are also planning to picket the Irish consulate in Edinburgh as part of co-ordinated protests next weekend even though the Dublin government played no role in the decision to restrict the flying of the union flag in Belfast.

Many of the protests organised against Belfast city council's decision to limit the number of days the union flag is flown at city hall have turned violent with more than 30 police officers injured in disorder since 10 December.

The SDLP has called on the Police Service of Northern Ireland to take more firm action against loyalist rioters involved in the violence.

A former British Lions rugby star and leading Conservative in Northern Ireland accused the flag protestors of harming the union. Trevor Ringland condemned those involved in the ongoing disorder.

"This disorder and violence against the police is simple thuggery and it will achieve absolutely nothing. Indeed the whole protest movement, if it has any effect at all, is likely to undermine support for the union," Ringland said.

Meanwhile several roads in Belfast and nearby Carrickfergus have been blocked as protests continue over the flags issue.

Ten police officers were injured during loyalist rioting in east Belfast on Thursday night which the PSNI described as "despicable" and well planned.

A man and a 16-year-old boy were arrested and charged with rioting.

Christopher Shires, 23, of Beechfield Street in the city, appeared before Belfast magistrates court on Friday and was remanded in custody. The teenager is due to appear at Belfast youth court on 28 January.