Union flag protesters harass children at Irish language event in Belfast

» Mark Moloney

"This is pretty embarrassing for unionism and it's time their leaders in Belfast City Hall showed some leadership and asked these people to pull back."

UNION flag protesters in Belfast hurled sectarian abuse at children as they arrived to attend an Irish-language event hosted by Mayor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

A small number of demonstrators waving Union flags taunted and shouted abuse at people, including young children, as they arrived for the celebration. Some unionist protesters later tried to gain entry to City Hall to disrupt the event but were stopped by Council staff

Speaking to An Phoblacht at Belfast City Hall, Sinn Féin Councillor Caoimhín Mac Giolla Mhín said:

"Today we saw a clear act of provocation. The usual Saturday flag protesters came down on St. Patrick's Day knowing this event to celebrate Irish culture and the Irish language was on."

The West Belfast councillor said many of those arriving to take part in the event were subjected to disgusting sectarian abuse from the fringe unionist mob.

"This is pretty embarrassing for unionism and it's time their leaders in Belfast City Hall showed some leadership and asked these people to pull back," he said.