Avoid unionists' Dublin flag demo publicity stunt, says Sinn Féin

» John Hedges

An Phoblacht Editor

Frazer's loyalist parade through Dublin City Centre in 2006 provoked running clashes across the city that cost an estimated €10million in damages and lost revenue to business.

PEOPLE have been urged by Sinn Féin to avoid Saturday’s proposed unionist demonstration at the Dáil and just go about their usual business rather than be provoked by “this publicity stunt designed to ratchet up tension and trouble in Dublin”.

It is feared that maverick unionist Willie Frazer’s supporters are intent on sparking violence in Dublin to take the focus off of the riots and increasingly unpopular wave of loyalist protests in Belfast.

Frazer’s loyalist parade through Dublin City Centre in 2006 provoked running clashes across the city that cost an estimated €10million in damages and lost revenue to business.

Dublin South-West Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe (right) said that while Sinn Féin accepts the right to peaceful protest, Willie Frazer and his group should reconsider their plans for Dublin and end the protests that have plagued the North.

“What we have witnessed is anti-Catholic and anti-Peace Process elements rioting on the streets, attacking property, people in the nationalist community, workers and the PSNI,” Seán Crowe said. “This campaign of sectarian intimidation and violence must be brought to an immediate end.”

He added:

“Belfast is a shared city. The rights and identities of all sections of the community there must be fully protected and respected. This can only be done on the basis of equality, mutual respect and parity of esteem as envisaged in the Good Friday Agreement.”