Friday, February 24, 2006
Concerns over Love Ulster parade
There were appeals for calm yesterday after it emerged that hardline republicans are to hold a protest against a loyalist parade through Dublin this weekend.The counter demonstration, organised by pro-dissident Republican Sinn Fein, coincides with Saturday's parade and rally by loyalist Love Ulster campaigners.
While gardai and event organisers say that they are not expecting any trouble, the presence of organised republicans and loyalists in the city centre has raised concerns.
Willie Frazer from victims' group FAIR is organising the Love Ulster demonstration, which features speakers Jeffrey Donaldson, Arlene Foster and Danny Kennedy, and he said he expected it to be peaceful.
"The parade leaves Parnell Square at 12.30pm and will make its way along O'Connell Street to Leinster House and we will be holding a rally there," he said.
"We don't believe that there will be any bother from the people of Dublin."
His group is also due to meet with Irish Justice Minister Michael McDowell and Dublin and Monaghan bombings victims' group Relatives for Justice has sent a letter of protest to the minister.
I find this very unsettling indeed. The presence of Republican Sinn Féin won't achieve anything constructive.
I really hope violence doesn't break out over this parade at the weekend. I must say the thought of seeing the parade doesn't appeal to me right now at this point in time.
I would urge people to be respectful. Let them march without hassle and dispel alot of their archaic notions about the Irish Republic.
# posted by United Irelander @ 2:34 AM 
© 2008 United Irelander.
