Loyalists hold flag protests in district

Loyalists hold flag protests in district

19 December 2012

STREET protests over the Union flag decision at Belfast City Hall have taken place in Down District.

On Thursday evening over 100 people took part in a protest in Clough and on Friday night around 60 took part in a similar protest in Ballynahinch. And on Monday evening there were small protests in Ballynahinch and Clough as part of a Province-wide series of demonstrations.

On all occasions the road was blocked for a short time before the Loyalist protesters stood at the side of the road with flags allowing traffic to flow freely.

DUP councillor Garth Craig took part in Friday’s protest in Ballynahinch, explaining he wanted to be available to ensure the event passed off peacefully.

“I wanted to be on hand to offer my assistance if required by the police to ensure the event passed off smoothly, which it has,” said Mr. Craig.

“Of course I have sympathy with the feelings of the protesters who have conducted themselves with dignity this evening on this very emotive issue,” he added.

The protesters gathered in Lisburn Street just after 6pm and marched to the junction of High Street and Windmill Street where they blocked the road. After being warned by police that they were causing an obstruction the protesters then walked back to Main Street where they stood at the side of the road with their flags.

There was a low-key police protest in Ballynahinch comprised mainly of community officers.

In Clough there was a larger police presence but the event passed off peacefully. It was attended by Alan Lewis, the local representative for the United Kingdom Independence Party.

“The vast majority of these protests aren’t organised nor attended by thugs and rioters as the Alliance and some elements within unionism have suggested. The vast majority are local people of all ages and backgrounds who have a real fear that their cultural identity, heritage and traditions are being eroded,” he said.

“I have come under criticism for attending protests but I recognise the immense dissatisfaction within the unionist community and I’m more than happy to stand with my fellow unionists at any protest within this district.”