Menu
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
Alliance 'Deeply Concerned' Over Pace Of HIA Redress Scheme
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the rate of progress on the redress scheme for Historical Institutional Abuse of children. The party's Executive Office spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA, has called on the First and deputy First Minister (FMdFM) must meet victims and survivors urgently over memorialisation and other issues.
Alliance 'Deeply Concerned' Over Pace Of HIA Redress Scheme
The Alliance Party has raised concerns over the rate of progress on the redress scheme for Historical Institutional Abuse of children. The party's Executive Office spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA, has called on the First and deputy First Minister (FMdFM) must meet victims and survivors urgently over memorialisation and other issues.
14 November 2024
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
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.
19 November 2024
Seating Matters To Create 62 New Jobs In £3.7m Investment
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced a significant investment by Seating Matters, a leading global manufacturer of therapeutic seating solutions. The company will invest £3.7 million in its facilities in Limavady and Derry, creating 62 new jobs over the next two years.
Seating Matters To Create 62 New Jobs In £3.7m Investment
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced a significant investment by Seating Matters, a leading global manufacturer of therapeutic seating solutions. The company will invest £3.7 million in its facilities in Limavady and Derry, creating 62 new jobs over the next two years.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
