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Peace wall violence in Belfast 'at a scale we have not seen in recent years'

A total of 55 police officers have been injured in recent violence.

LAST UPDATE | 8 Apr 2021

ANOTHER NIGHT OF unrest on the streets of Belfast has been widely condemned by political leaders in Belfast, Dublin and London.

The Northern Ireland Executive met this morning to be briefed on the ongoing unrest seen over the last week and Stormont has also condemned the violence

A bus was hijacked and set on fire in west Belfast last night, a press photographer was assaulted, and there were clashes between loyalists and nationalists at the peace line street that links the Shankill Road with the Springfield Road in west Belfast.

Before the events of last night, some 41 police officers had been injured and ten people arrested over the disturbances – including as young as 12.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Jonathan Roberts told reports this afternoon the figure had risen to 55 after last night’s violence. 

He said that the injuries sustained by police were “on the whole relatively minor” but that this was “very lucky” given the “large items of masonry, fireworks and petrol bombs”.

“The scale of the disorder last night was at a scale that we have not seen in recent years in Belfast or further afield. And the fact that it was sectarian violence, and there was large groups on both sides of the incident again it’s something that we have not seen for a number of years,” he said. 

Roberts said the he “can’t confirm the involvement of paramilitaries” but that “the orchestration of last night’s disorder and the previous night’s remains the subject of investigation”. 

“We do believe that there was a level of pre-planning. You don’t come by such volumes of petrol bombs and missiles and fireworks without pre-planning. So, there was a scale of planning and orchestration,” he said. 

We now have 55 police officers injured and it’s very, very lucky that nobody was seriously injured or killed last night given the large volume of, in particular petrol bombs, that were thrown during the disorder.

Asked whether the PSNI feared the use of more deadly weaponry, he said: “I don’t think there’s anything to suggest that, but given the history of Northern Ireland hopefully that is not a situation that we would see emerge. It’s certainly something that would always be in the back of our minds in policing. ”

Political reaction

The events follow days of violence in the North, and politicians united in criticism of the incidents.

“The only way forward is to address issues of concern through peaceful and democratic means,” a statement by Taoiseach Micheál Martin said.

“This evening’s attacks on a journalist and bus driver are deeply concerning and are in no one’s interests. Now is the time for the two governments and leaders on all sides to work together to defuse tensions and restore calm.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs described the images seen last night as “shocking” and called on political leaders to come together to defuse tensions in the North.

He said he had spoken to the UK’s Northern Secretary Brandon Lewis about the ongoing violence, adding that the Irish government would play its part to help de-escalate the situation.

“This needs to stop before somebody is killed or very seriously injured. A lot of people have a responsibility to try to work to ensure that we reduce and calm tensions, and that has to start at the top in terms of political leadership,” Coveney said.

Lewis flew to the North for urgent talks with the main parties in Stormont about the recent disorder.

In a statement this afternoon, Lewis said:

All communities in Northern Ireland must work together to resolve the tensions that we are currently facing. The people of Northern Ireland deserve better than a continuation of the violence and disorder that we have witnessed in recent days. I know, from my ongoing contact with party leaders, that this is a view that is shared by all. The only way to resolve differences is through dialogue and in that regard we must all lead by example.
Those engaged in this destruction and disorder do not represent Northern Ireland.
I have seen first hand the true spirit of Northern Ireland – the creativity, the optimism and the determination to never return to the conflict and division of the past. We cannot allow that spirit to be crushed by a small minority intent on violence.
The strength of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement lay in providing a framework for all communities in Northern Ireland, through mutual respect and tolerance, to live and work together.
I am aware of the ongoing concerns from some in the unionist and loyalist community over recent months and I have been engaging and listening to those concerns. However, I remain clear that the right way to express concerns or frustrations is through dialogue, engagement, and the democratic process, not through violence or disorder.

Today he is set to meet with community, faith and political leaders.

“Following engagement earlier today, I welcome the statement from the Executive and join them in appealing for calm. I will do all I can to continue to facilitate further constructive discussions on the way forward over the coming days. I remain in close contact with the Prime Minister to keep him updated,” concluded Lewis.

Boris Johnson

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson appealed for calm last night.

“I am deeply concerned by the scenes of violence in Northern Ireland, especially attacks on PSNI who are protecting the public and businesses, attacks on a bus driver and the assault of a journalist,” he tweeted.

“The way to resolve differences is through dialogue, not violence or criminality.”

Earlier, videos circulating online showed a bus being hit by petrol bombs and having its windows smashed where a crowd of people had gathered at the junction of Lanark Way and Shankill Road in the west of the city.

First Minister Arlene Foster condemned the actions, but was widely criticised for her response on social media after her statement made reference to the attendance by Sinn Féin politicians at the funeral of veteran republican Bobby Storey last year.

“This is not protest. This is vandalism and attempted murder,” she tweeted.

“These actions do not represent unionism or loyalism. They are an embarrassment to Northern Ireland and only serve to take the focus off the real law breakers in Sinn Féin. My thoughts are with the bus driver.”

Foster this morning met with PSNI chief constable Simon Byrne – whose resignation she has been demanding over the force’s handling of the Bobby Storey funeral investigation – ahead of the return of Stormont today.

Also last night, Deputy First Minister and Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O’Neill said the Executive will be briefed “on the violence and street disorder which is causing huge distress” when it meets today. 

O’Neill said: “Unequivocal condemnation needed and protests should be called off immediately – police need support not politicking.”

O’Neill’s party leader Mary Lou McDonald this morning called for political leaders to speak as one in condemning the situation, saying that she had raised her concerns with the PSNI Chief Constable.

“There is no justification for the attacks we have witnessed on PSNI officers, those who drive our buses and on local communities,” she said in a statement.

Stormont leaders met at 10am, before Stormont Assembly was recalled at 11am to discuss scenes of violence in mainly loyalist areas over the past week.

The unrest has been attributed to tension in loyalist communities over the Northern Ireland Protocol on Brexit and the PSNI’s handling of alleged Covid-19 regulation breaches by Sinn Féin politicians by attending at the funeral of Bobby Storey.

Plans to recall the Assembly were already underway after Alliance Party leader Naomi Long secured the required support of 30 members to force a return yesterday.

Long – who serves as Justice Minister – said it is her party’s intention to get all parties at Stormont to “unite around a call for calm and the cessation of violence”.

PSNI chief constable Simon Byrne, whose resignation has been demanded by Foster over the decision not to prosecute Sinn Féin members over Bobby Storey’s funeral, said he was open to dialogue with those willing to work with him to resolve the ongoing tensions.

“My message to those engaged in violence tonight is go home before someone is seriously injured, violence is not the answer,” he said on Twitter.

northern-ireland-unrest People stand next to a fire in a street in Belfast last night PA PA

Riots and attacks on police have taken place repeatedly throughout the last week and have now resumed after a relative lull on Tuesday. 

Police were attacked during another night of violence in a number of loyalist areas on Monday.

Nine officers were injured in Ballymena, taking to 41 the number injured in disorder across Northern Ireland since last Friday night.

Disorder also flared in parts of Carrickfergus, Newtownabbey and Derry on Monday, with petrol bombs and other missiles thrown at officers.

In Co Antrim, a recent series of drug seizures against the South East Antrim UDA – a renegade faction of the main grouping – have caused particular ill-feeling towards police.

The faction is believed to have been behind some disturbances seen over the weekend.

- Contains reporting by Rónán Duffy and Press Association.

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238 Comments
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    Mute Daniel Bohan
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:03 PM

    I may be alone in this, and may get stick. But I’ve never felt that the North is a part of Ireland, except for the name. And I don’t want reunification if it means inheriting this mess. Am I alone?

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    Mute Colm Ducker
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:16 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: Definitely in a minority

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    Mute James
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:20 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: You are not that far wrong, the brits don’t want it either.

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    Mute The Divils Avocado
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:22 PM

    @James: True, I’d say an independent ‘Republic of Northern Ireland’ is more likely than a United Ireland

    310
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    Mute Caddyshack
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:25 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: lots of people “want “ a United Ireland but the reality will be a lot different than the dream. IMO the north is not ready for a United ireland as the recent evidence of violence suggests. I’ll never forget the impact of the troubles & fear troubles no 2 if a United Ireland was narrowly voted in

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    Mute Gerrard
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:26 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: you can’t pick and choose what part of the country you want Ireland should be united ..

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    Mute Caddyshack
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:26 PM

    @Colm Ducker: doubt it

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    Mute MrHammey12
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:28 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: Yes

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    Mute Caddyshack
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:28 PM

    @Gerrard: he doesn’t have to pick, NI is part of UK. If a vote materialises then he can pick

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    Mute Peter Shannon
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    Apr 7th 2021, 10:22 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: it saddens me greatly when I hear how easily my so called fellow countrymen and women are happy to cut us off because a criminal element. The vast majority of both unionist and nationalist people are horrified by this behaviour but not as horrified I am that you don’t Consider me an Irish man

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    Mute Patricia O'Reilly
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    Apr 7th 2021, 10:22 PM

    @Colm Ducker: definitely NOT in the minority

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    Mute Ronan MacKernan
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    Apr 7th 2021, 10:34 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: I agree, we can’t afford all those ‘Community workers’ employed up there.

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    Mute Anne O Brien
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    Apr 7th 2021, 10:36 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: your not alone.

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    Mute Tommy Roche
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    Apr 7th 2021, 10:37 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: I’ve always considered the North part of Ireland, having lived there and had relations and friends die in the troubles. Would love to see reunification in my lifetime but not at the cost of people dying because they live on the wrong street, have the wrong surname or work for the wrong company.

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    Mute Anne O Brien
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    Apr 7th 2021, 10:39 PM

    @Gerrard: yes we can, it’s call democracy we can pick and choose through our vote.

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    Mute Peter Cavey
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    Apr 7th 2021, 11:26 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: I agree. A United Ireland. But at what cost? The idealist in me says it would be wonderful but the realist in me has seen first hand the hatred that exists in parts of the north. They publicly torch our flag every single year. They burn effigies of our president on top of 100 foot bonfires every year. We need to be realistic. A United ireland is never going to happen as things stand. And as for the “they are minorities” argument? You have no idea the damage minorities can do one they put their minds to it. It’s really not worth it.

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    Mute Daniel Bohan
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    Apr 7th 2021, 11:33 PM

    @Gerrard: There’s the Republic and Northern Ireland. I consider myself a citizen of the Republic of Ireland, and consider citizens of Northern Ireland as British. Just the way I feel.

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    Mute Snagglepuss
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    Apr 7th 2021, 11:34 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: you’re not alone mo chara

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    Mute Daniel Bohan
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    Apr 7th 2021, 11:35 PM

    @Colm Ducker: Not based off the feedback

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    Mute mark o donovan
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    Apr 7th 2021, 11:35 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: i agree with ya, the north is a minefield, uk be glad to see back of it, us eejects in the south will think with their hearts instead of thinking with their heads in a referendum, hopefully wont happen in my lifetime

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    Mute Eoghan S Quinn
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    Apr 7th 2021, 11:39 PM

    @Peter Shannon: you are 100 percent an irish man .
    it shames me to think people in certain parts of the 26 counties are consumed with self interest.

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    Mute Daniel Bohan
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    Apr 7th 2021, 11:43 PM

    @Peter Cavey: Couldn’t have put it better myself TBH

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    Mute Martin Galvin
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    Apr 7th 2021, 11:51 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: Am I alone in thinking that you don’t know your history, or maybe you’re a millennial snowflake with a fragile disposition….? Maybe you avoid confrontation and nod along with everything that’s dished out to you….? Are you alone ….? Maybe.

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    Mute Asid
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    Apr 7th 2021, 11:53 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: yes.. you are alone

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    Mute Asid
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    Apr 7th 2021, 11:55 PM

    @Anne O Brien: we live in a constitutional republic, educate yourself love

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    Mute Donal Desmond
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    Apr 7th 2021, 11:57 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: No ..Successive Irish and British governments are responsible for this situation. Since the foundation of this State they buried their heads in the sand resulting in a conflict that lasted for a generation . The same mistake is being made today…The Orange card was used for decades, especially to keep the conservatives in power …This time they miscalculated badly when the put their trust in Boris..

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    Mute On the right side
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:05 AM

    @Tommy Roche: Thats funny because those people you say have the wrong surname or work for the wrong company who are Catholic just over 40% of them did not want a United Ireland last time, now 77.8% of people in NI see themselves as British or Northern Irish they dont see themselves as Irish or see their capital being Dublin either.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People_of_Northern_Ireland

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    Mute Daniel Bohan
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:05 AM

    @Peter Shannon: I’m not cutting you off. The Brits cut you off a long long time ago. I grew up in a time when Northern Ireland was not considered a part of my identity. I don’t identify with Northern Ireland. When I visit NI I feel like I’m in a foreign country. In the Republic we have housing, health and education crises; we don’t need a civil crisis on top of this. It’s my opinion, and like you, I’m entitled to it.

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    Mute Daniel Bohan
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:07 AM

    @Eoghan S Quinn: A North or South Korean is a Korean. A Northern Irishman is an Irish Man, as is a man from the Republic. Doesn’t mean they are one and the same.

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    Mute Kevin Bury
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:08 AM

    @Daniel Bohan: that’s just a sad comment

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    Mute On the right side
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:14 AM

    @Peter Cavey: I dont think you need to worry in the 2011 NI census 77.8% of people in NI see themselves as British or Northern Irish they dont see themselves as Irish and dont see Dublin as their capital either, the 77.8% also includes 43% of the Catholics in NI.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People_of_Northern_Ireland

    29
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    Mute Daniel Bohan
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:16 AM

    @Martin Galvin: Sorry to disappoint, but I’m a 40+ year old man with a great awareness of history, both at home and abroad. I’m far from fragile, but thanks for checking in.

    Au contraire, I embrace confrontation, and I deal in facts. As a nation we can barely deal with our own problems right now, and in my opinion are in no position to be adopting a whole new ream of problems.

    As a person, I do not identify with Northern Ireland as my brothers/sisters, and nothing you say will change my feelings. All the best

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    Mute Anne O Brien
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:49 AM

    @Asid: what’s your problem? I was referring to a democratic vote.

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    Mute Contrary Mary
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    Apr 8th 2021, 5:52 AM

    @Peter Shannon: Deal with this criminal element and then we can talk.

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    Mute Finnster
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    Apr 8th 2021, 6:05 AM

    @Peter Shannon: these people are in the minority, their relatives obviously didn’t fight like my grandfather did for OUR country in 1916 . They would rather not have the hassle that is why a few not many a hundred years ago gave all of us in the south what we consider normal today . This is what the northern Irish nationalists deserve as our fellow countrymen

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    Mute Setanta Stylfox
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    Apr 8th 2021, 6:43 AM

    @On the right side: Hey buddy, can I borrow your rag?

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    Mute Padraig O'Shea
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    Apr 8th 2021, 7:19 AM

    @Daniel Bohan: your comment and all the likes it got is just so depressing, and its a common theme that lot of people don’t want d north and can’t relate to it.. Irish people in d north were ignored during the troubles when the were being run out of their homes and treated as second class citizens and murdered.. ireland stood back an did nothing and looking at comments here i can see why.. I’m Irish but I don’t feel apart of this country.. I can’t relate to it or the people here, if I moved away to live in another country I would turn my back on this country, and would never look back at it or its people, the same way people like u turned ur back on people in the NORTH OF IRELAND.

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    Mute Austin Shields
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    Apr 8th 2021, 7:20 AM

    @Peter Cavey: so basically be a coward and give in to their threats of violence?

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    Mute WiseUp
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    Apr 8th 2021, 7:53 AM

    @Peter Shannon: I wouldn’t be to concerned with the comments and likes on here in relation to Ireland, The North or Ireland and a united Ireland. You are of course Irish and there will of course be a united island of Ireland at some stage (10/15 years is my estimate) This is an absolute storm in a teacup in the bigger scheme of things, although it’s awful what’s happened to the PNSI, the bus driver and journalist who have been hurt. In my opinion Arlene and Sammy are to blame but that’s for another day. This is a tiny minority of people up there and they are just making a racket as they know and can sense that they’re extreme loyalism is eroding away. They no longer have the financial or moral support of the British government and this is the last desperate actions of a dying mob.

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    Mute WiseUp
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    Apr 8th 2021, 8:05 AM

    @Daniel Bohan: Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I have to in some ways except that this is your opinion but I think it’s an absolutely awful comment and so uninformed. I’ve read some of your other comments below and we are a similar age, I’m 45. You claim to know about history and it’s obvious you don’t. There will of course be a united island of Ireland. It’s will take approximately 10-15 years but it will happen and it should happen. This racket is the desperate actions of a dying bread of loyalist extremists and they are a tiny minority. It’s awful what’s happened to the PNSI, the bus driver and the journalist but this is a storm in a teacup. You won’t like this and I don’t like calling people out on their opinions but you should be ashamed and embarrassed about your comment.

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    Mute Trevor Rooney
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    Apr 8th 2021, 8:25 AM

    @On the right side: did the first time you posted that not get enough attention for you???

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    Mute Margaret Miley
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    Apr 8th 2021, 8:37 AM

    @Daniel Bohan: you’re not alone. Forget a united Ireland, not going to happen.

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    Mute WiseUp
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    Apr 8th 2021, 8:45 AM

    @Margaret Miley: Ridiculous comment. I don’t want to offend anyone but it’s just so obvious that you haven’t a clue what you’re talking about.

    36
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    Mute Sandra Duffy
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    Apr 8th 2021, 9:11 AM

    @WiseUp: a tiny minority made life a misery for 30 years in NI. You are naive if you think a small number of people couldn’t do the same again.

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    Mute Marie Agnew
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    Apr 8th 2021, 9:52 AM

    @Daniel Bohan: the main problem in NI is the politicians, this violence was wound right up by Foster and her Crony’s, it’s just up her alley!! It’s making you dubious and more like you. NI people are different through no fault of their own, same way Irish people are different due to 800 years at the hands of colonialism, of course there will be fall out which will take many decades to smooth over but It’s a matter of principle that we reunify our country.

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    Mute Marie Agnew
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    Apr 8th 2021, 9:58 AM

    @Peter Shannon: peter I wrote to some TD’s recently urging them not to attend centenary commemorations of partition. One of the reasons being how the national elements were denied their rights and treated like badly! You and the rest will always be one of us, people say things without thinking, if they knew you they may understand better

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    Mute Dave Connolly
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    Apr 8th 2021, 9:58 AM

    @Daniel Bohan: you are exactly right. There is a majority in this country that can see this for what it is.

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    Mute Seosamh
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    Apr 8th 2021, 9:59 AM

    @Daniel Bohan: And people who consider themselves Irish in the North? You’re some tulip.

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    Mute Irish Cottage Rental
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    Apr 8th 2021, 10:01 AM

    @Peter Shannon: you are.
    Apologies for those who think otherwise because of their selfishness.

    19
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    Mute Marie Agnew
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    Apr 8th 2021, 10:11 AM

    @Contrary Mary: what a sad comment, do you seriously not understand that Peter and all other nationalist in the North are up against prejudice every day!! The loyalist mob including the DUP are a bunch of spoilt yabos who scream louder and cry foul all the time, who are backed up by the Brits and pandered to by the Irish government. They cannot fight this element on their own. Your comment is typical of the uneducated and the ‘wash my hands of it’ brigade!! Terrible

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    Mute WiseUp
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    Apr 8th 2021, 10:36 AM

    @Sandra Duffy: My original response wasn’t published, it was very tame but I made reference to you not knowing what you’re talking about. I completely disagree with your comment and within 10-20 years there will absolutely be a united island of Ireland.

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    Mute The Firestarter
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    Apr 8th 2021, 11:01 AM

    @Daniel Bohan: No you’re not alone, a United Ireland would be a disaster, and would basically mean a return to the troubles. Also by virtue of the fact that your comment is on top with nearly 2000 likes, I would definitely say that you’re not alone.

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    Mute Hugo Bugo
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    Apr 8th 2021, 11:15 AM

    @Colm Ducker: is he wrong?, I have no association to them counties either

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    Mute Mac the Week
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    Apr 8th 2021, 11:21 AM

    @Daniel Bohan: Ridiculous statement. Not part of Ireland ???

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    Mute Angela McCarthy
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    Apr 8th 2021, 11:27 AM

    @Daniel Bohan: if any politically led loyalist rioters read your selfish comments, then they know how to proceed. violence works

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    Mute Angela McCarthy
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    Apr 8th 2021, 11:33 AM

    @Daniel Bohan: we get it, your a proud partitionist. thankfully you are governed by the GFA just like the rest of us.

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    Mute Conor Byrne
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    Apr 8th 2021, 11:38 AM

    @On the right side: brexit wasn’t even on the cards in 2011. The brittish in the North now realise how little the UK actually give a toss about northern Ireland.
    Right now the brittish up there feel abandoned. This is the reason for the current violence in the North. That céncus would look completely different now.

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    Mute Dave Kavanagh
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    Apr 8th 2021, 11:40 AM

    @Daniel Bohan: My preference is to hace a large trench dug along the border then tow the north out to sea. As long as the so called leaders engage in rhetoric rather than politics, the situation in Northern Ireland will never be solved, and sadly that is a long way off. We in the south also need to move away from civil war politics, but that to is sadly some way in the future.

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    Mute M Bowe
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    Apr 8th 2021, 11:55 AM

    @The Firestarter: if you are so sure that this is not a minority position within this island then join the call for a border poll. Let the whole island have their say, not just 1655 thumps on an unregulated forum. Btw hopefully the tally officers don’t count as badly as you.

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    Mute JustMeHere
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:09 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: Feelings aren’t facts.

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    Mute Seamus Donnelly
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:12 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: I dont know if you watch GAA i doubt you do going by your comments but when Donegal play Tyrone in an Ulster championship match you reckon Donegal is playing a British team ??????????

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    Mute Seamus Donnelly
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:15 PM

    @Peter Cavey: Thats the type of weak mindset that caused this country to be divided in the first place is long as my little patch is safe to hell with everyone else in this case northern nationalists.

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    Mute Seamus Donnelly
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:19 PM

    @Sandra Duffy: Are you on about the British secruity forces and there Loyalist allies that made life a misery for 30 years in the North.

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    Mute Gene Johnston
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:26 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: absolutely not, I predict a lot of quiet no voters in south as the chances of the truth being told about all the implications of unification are zero.

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    Mute WiseUp
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:27 PM

    @The Firestarter: The reason it’s on top with 2k likes is because of a couple of things, one is first movers advantage, he was first to comment, two, a lot of people don’t understand the reality of these incidents, why they are happening and what caused them. To say that a united Ireland would mean a return to the troubles shows so clearly that you just don’t have a clue what you’re talking about and it’s actually just an embarrassing statement. No idea what the troubles were actually about and what was going on during the troubles. Please stop posting complete and utter nonsense!! Absolute ding bat

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    Mute Seán Dillon
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:36 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: It is a mess created by Britain in our country. Unfortunately one that we will have to clean up and at a cost. Britain or its mainland wants nothing to do with NI, it offers nothing to them only huge financial cost. It will take a few generations to get it on track, the bigots and scroungers will have to change their ideals and this will only happen through time. Ireland is and always has been one Island of the Irish people and always will be, now Britain over the years has realise that.

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    Mute Cormac McCann
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    Apr 8th 2021, 1:34 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: Good, don’t need you as a brother! All the best!

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    Mute Darren Callaghan
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    Apr 8th 2021, 1:36 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: if they don’t want to be part of the United Kingdom then by all means let them vote for it but let them be a country of their own, just like Scotland want as I for one don’t want them to be part of a united Ireland as if truth be known even the so called republicans don’t like southern Ireland or our politics and its a massive headache we could do without and that is before even thinking about the financial side that mess would cost the exchequer, let them be on their own united with each other would be a good start for both communities which looks further away than ever and that kicked off over brexit by the loyalist community, a mess we don’t need or want

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    Mute Jo H
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    Apr 8th 2021, 2:15 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: completely agree, and I think a lot of people who ‘want’ a united Ireland are looking at it with their hearts and history, not with their heads. I personally would vote against it.

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    Mute Paul Mcnevin
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    Apr 8th 2021, 2:26 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: How often have you been to Northern Ireland? How many people have you met there? Not many I’d say.

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    Mute Aaron92utd
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    Apr 8th 2021, 2:40 PM

    @Finnster: 100%

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    Mute Welk wrangler
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    Apr 8th 2021, 2:51 PM

    @On the right side: A border vote will deliver a united ireland and no amount of bs wiki stats will change that. These loyalist terrorists you seem to defend will have to get used to it. They have had power in their hands for a century, a century of an aparteid system. They are in the minority and that minority is getting smaller. They are disliked by the brits, most of which think they are a confused and costly problem, they are not regarded as british by the british people. Loyalists have to adjust to the new reality, throwing their toys out of the pram and displays of hatred and violence only show them up for the animals that they are.

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    Mute Nick Condon Sen
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    Apr 8th 2021, 3:22 PM

    @WiseUp: Well as you acknowledged he is entitled his opinion one shared by many in his age cohort.
    I’m a 70 year + male spawned out War of Ind and Civil War politics and was naturally a strong aspirant of a United Ireland whic has slightly waned over last few decades.
    I’ve travelled all over the North/Northern Ireland/Six Counties over 5 decades.
    I’ve done work there over last 10 that has taken me to both upmarket and disenfranchised areas Unionists,Loyalist, Nationalist and Republican.
    Also had an offspring who lived and worked there for 15 years.
    Yes time there will be/maybe some form of a United Ireland.
    But if you think it’s going to happen in 10/15 I would say you are way out of touch with life up there at present.
    Just my opinion no one else.

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    Mute Daniel Roche
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    Apr 8th 2021, 3:30 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: your in a small minority,come meet your brothers and sisters in the North of Ireland and will meet people more Irish than you and me.

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    Mute WiseUp
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    Apr 8th 2021, 4:15 PM

    @Nick Condon Sen: How’s is going, thanks for the constructive comment. What’s interesting is we have a lot of cross over with work and off spring up North. I’m not being funny but I’m absolutely bang up to speed on all things Northern Ireland professionally and personally and I would question how in touch you are considering you spend so much time there and with such a cross section of the people. Let’s check back in again in 15 years and see where we are. At an absolute minimum there will be a referendum and in my humble opinion there will be a break up of Britain and this island will be united. I acknowledge that 15 years may be a little optimistic but when I reach your vintage (30ish years to go) I firmly believe this will be a united island of Ireland.

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    Mute Nick Condon Sen
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    Apr 8th 2021, 5:12 PM

    @WiseUp: Its high unlikely that I will be here in 15 years time given my genetics.!!
    Anyway thats the way it is -my philosophy is a bit like Barry Gibbs when he was asked at 74 why kept playing he said “There’s less of life in front of me than behind me and I intend to enjoy it”
    Yep I think I’m pretty bang up to speed with things Northern in a personal and professional capacity as well
    Im retired from what I used to do for a living here but have being doing work for a Govt Agency up there that had me dealing with a mix of community groups,businesses,politicians dare I say it !! agus gná dáoine of all hues
    You are optimistic but 30 years time is a reasonable projection imho.
    Then what would an auld lad Like myself with a green tinge know!!
    Fanacht Sabhálta agus bí curamach out there.

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    Mute Larry Doherty
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    Apr 8th 2021, 5:12 PM

    Too bad, Daniel. The South colluded in the formation of the gerrymandered Northern State to gain their own freedom and stood idly by for fifty years while fellow Irish citizens were repressed. You don’t get to walk away now. Get used to it. The North is coming home.

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    Mute WiseUp
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    Apr 8th 2021, 5:22 PM

    @Nick Condon Sen: I’m sure our paths have crossed. Take care of yourself :)

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    Mute Chief Buck Cat
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    Apr 8th 2021, 5:30 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: Vote against it then as is your right as an Irish Citizen. Framing Irish people living on the other side of a 100-year-old border as somehow less Irish than you is an old British strategy. One that was and still is pushed by their Dublin lacky governments. A strategy that let psychopathic Unionist minority disenfranchise, abuse and kill your fellow Irishmen and women while the south looked away. You will happily do it again. Corrupted Irishman that you are.

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    Mute Victor Feldman
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    Apr 8th 2021, 5:41 PM

    @The Divils Avocado:
    That actually is a great idea as then it could be more like a province as in Canada and Australia.

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    Mute Chief Buck Cat
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    Apr 8th 2021, 8:02 PM

    @Daniel Bohan: So would you Identify with someone from Donegal or would your “great awarness of history” stand in the way for some reason? Your vast knowledge would have informed you that one reason Ulster was planted mercilessly was because it was far too Gealic for the English – unlike much of the south. You just don’t like Nordies in your little limited and parochial mind and that’ll never change. Ironically, You would make a fine Unionist and probably find much in common with their mindset on Irish people from the 9 counties.

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    Mute Leandro Santos
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    Apr 9th 2021, 12:51 AM

    @James: That’s the best way to go. The Brits can’t wait to get rid of the Northern Ireland and I hardly believe that the Irish of ROI wud accept a reunification. I wud defo vote a big NO myself if it ever comes to a referendum.

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    Mute Michael Byrne
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:13 PM

    This has nothing to do with the Protestant/Catholic divide. It’s just a load of scrotes who wanted to cause mayhem, so that’s the excuse they use.

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    Mute Adrian O'Donnell
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:44 PM

    @Michael Byrne: yep, the cops took all their beak and they’re not happy about it!

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    Mute Cocker
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    Apr 7th 2021, 10:44 PM

    @Michael Byrne: Precisely. Little fekkers should be breaking rocks in a gulag. At least that way society would might benefit from their existence

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    Mute Michael Oats
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    Apr 8th 2021, 7:44 AM

    @Michael Byrne: this is true, but I’ve never heard of an apple ©u*+ before!!!

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    Mute David Lee
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    Apr 7th 2021, 8:57 PM

    Seen the videos of the bus being attacked & torched online, my god they can’t be any more than 17.

    The amount of hate that must have been drilled into the heads of these children who weren’t even born when the GFA was signed.

    Every last one of their parents should hang their heads in shame.

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    Mute Mick Tobin
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:08 PM

    @David Lee: The parents probably voted for Brexit, and if anyone pointed out it’d bring about problems with the border they’d have been dismissive, “Ah that’s just politics, it’ll be sorted”, assuming it’d be the land border, not the one down the sea their kids are rebelling against (and costing the gang leaders their drugs supply route).

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    Mute MrHammey12
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:42 PM

    @David Lee: yes absolutely shameful. But have they now followed the ‘educational’ system that is now par for the course in England?

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    Mute George Vladisavljevic
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    Apr 8th 2021, 7:53 AM

    @David Lee: Any welfare or social payments being made to the thugs and/or to their families should be stopped.

    Perhaps then they would keep their little precious children home and act as responsible adults.

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    Mute Sandra Duffy
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    Apr 8th 2021, 9:16 AM

    @David Lee: My nieces partner is from a large staunch loyalist NI family. They have cut him and his chikdren off entirely. The amount of hatred between loyalists and nationalists at working class leveling NI is primitive and I’m in no hurry to see it unleashed on our country. We need to take time to address this cultural divide.

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    Mute Jason Walsh
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    Apr 8th 2021, 1:29 PM

    @David Lee: unfortunately many parents of those kids will be proud of their “loyalist demonstrating”

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    Mute Alan McDonald
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:03 PM

    When we are one…we shall call it DublinDerry

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    Mute Siiixers
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:16 PM

    @Alan McDonald: FreeDerry

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    Mute MrHammey12
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:46 PM

    @Alan McDonald: CorkFreeDerry

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    Mute Welk wrangler
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    Apr 7th 2021, 10:54 PM

    She cannot condem actions without fuelling more hate by passing blame to sinn fein. That arlene is poison.

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    Mute Keith O'Reilly
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:39 PM

    I wish I could say I’m surprised with Arlene’s ridiculous attempt to deflect back to SF but I’m really not.

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    Mute Angela McCarthy
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    Apr 8th 2021, 11:40 AM

    @Keith O’Reilly: DUP suffering in polls, thats what all this about. at least she has that in common with M Martin

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    Mute Philip Kelly
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    Apr 7th 2021, 8:57 PM

    I have just read that the loyalist are now attempting to attack the nationalist areas and blame a man dead for months, are we in for a repeat of 1969, no IRA to defend the nationalist people, and there will be another jack lynch

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    Mute Tom Ripley
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:06 PM

    @Philip Kelly: relax lad… Bit dramatic

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    Mute Christybhoy67
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:23 PM

    @Tom Ripley: no it not been dramatic the but was carrying catholic passengers head home to the Falls Rd , Irish & British Governments very silent, Taoiseach Micheàl Martin should contact his buddy’s in the UDA & asking them to stop

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    Mute Joe
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:29 PM

    @Tom Ripley: Well it’s not really to be honest. Have you ever been there when this all kicks off?

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    Mute James
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    Apr 7th 2021, 11:06 PM

    @Philip Kelly: the boot was on the other foot in 69, the loyalist were in total control, houses schools, jobs, gerrymandering the constituency , media. the nationalist had nothing.

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    Mute Tom Ripley
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    Apr 8th 2021, 1:22 PM

    @Joe: nope, wouldn’t want to go there either. But different circumstances then. State oppression, civil rights issues all the things needed to create the troubles. It’s little scrotes rioting. They just want attention. Think borris and co doing the right thing just ignoring them. Can’t react that’s what they want. The dup got brexit they wanted it so feck em. Just ignore them as best we can and get on with life

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    Mute Tony Mc Grath
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    Apr 8th 2021, 2:37 PM

    @Philip Kelly: time to start bombing the hell out of Belfast and Derry city centres so.

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    Mute John Quinn
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    Apr 7th 2021, 11:04 PM

    I wonder will sky or the bbc now refer to them as “British Dissidents”??

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    Mute Ciaran Farrelly
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:02 PM

    Those Protestants up to no good as usual.

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    Mute On the right side
    Favourite On the right side
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:30 AM

    @Ciaran Farrelly: How do you know they are all Protestants 12.9% of Catholics see themselves as British and support the union?

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    Mute Seosamh
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    Apr 8th 2021, 10:00 AM

    @On the right side: This made me chuckle.

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    Mute Gearóid Ó Tuama
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    Apr 8th 2021, 4:04 PM

    @On the right side: it’s a joke reference to father Ted…

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    Mute Jason Walsh
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    Apr 7th 2021, 8:54 PM

    Looking good for a united Ireland, very positives attitudes up there.

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    Mute TommyC
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:17 AM

    It doesn’t matter what you think or feel. That’s already taken care of. Now sit back and let us ease your mind with stuff to make you happy

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    Mute Rochelle
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    Apr 7th 2021, 11:28 PM

    Arlene should be ashamed of herself to even mention Sinn Fein in the context of her supporters torching buses and endangering lives. It’s a Trump-esque statement of encouragement and deflection disguised as condemnation.

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    Mute Commentator
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    Apr 7th 2021, 8:46 PM

    ‘Bullies’, I think you mean terrorists.

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    Mute bread of heaven
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:05 PM

    @Commentator: The protests were mostly peaceful.

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    Mute huzar
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:23 PM

    Northern Ireland is a kip unfortunately

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    Mute Cormac McCann
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    Apr 8th 2021, 1:35 PM

    @huzar: good, don’t go near it then!

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    Mute alan
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    Apr 8th 2021, 2:05 PM

    @Cormac McCann: independent northern ireland the only way forward. free of inteference from either the republic or the uk. loyalists and sf trying to drag everybody backwards into their respective versions of the past. forget it and move on

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    Mute William Bryan
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    Apr 7th 2021, 11:21 PM

    The Journal needs to acknowledge its incredibly gaffe in calling Derry by its DUP name

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    Mute Kenneth Hayden
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:13 PM

    So the author decided to add six silent letters to Derry to use as provocation in the comment section!!
    It worked out well then.

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    Mute Darren Anthony Corr
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:43 AM

    Not a SFr but I will say, this has nothing to do with them for once.
    This is the fires of loyalism, stoked for weeks by poison and divisive rhetoric from DUP.
    How can Arlene Foster honestly say she is First Minister of NI, when she is purposely ripping the state that she is supposed to represent to shreds? Clear breach of ministerial code, not to mention inciting violence.
    What was she trying to do in that condemnation? Get the angry mob to show up at Michelle O’Neills house or something? Why the actual Fudge can’t herself and DUP be removed for inciting violence???

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    Mute Ciaran Burke
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    Apr 8th 2021, 1:01 AM

    @Darren Anthony Corr: no that would just end power sharing and make things worse.

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    Mute Tony Mc Grath
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    Apr 8th 2021, 2:46 PM

    @Ciaran Burke: as you see, lots of support for reasoned debate here.

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    Mute Da Dell
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:47 PM

    Imagine people in the republic rioting, burning cars and buses over golfgate.

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    Mute Cormac McCann
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    Apr 8th 2021, 1:39 PM

    @Da Dell: or be atng the shi te out of each other on a bridge or disrupting boxing weigh ins or tit for tat over drugs, etc, etc, etc…..imagine!

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    Mute Padraig Giles
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:02 PM

    No rubber bullets left uo there?

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    Mute Kevin Barrett
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:38 PM

    derry derry derry derry derry

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    Mute A -AFC
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    Apr 7th 2021, 10:10 PM

    No mention of the bus driver, is he ok, injured???

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    Mute Rory
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:20 PM

    Northern Ireland is a basket cake!!

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    Mute Barry Somers
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    Apr 7th 2021, 10:14 PM

    We want these people in Ireland?

    We should be careful what troubles we wish for by pushing for a united Ireland so much. Its clear many people up north still like the troubles

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    Mute Philip Kelly
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:10 AM

    @Andy mc Laughlin: we can always open the curragh camp for them, and then beat the hell out off them as they did in long kesh

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    Mute Des Doyle
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    Apr 7th 2021, 11:40 PM

    “These actions do not represent unionism or loyalism. They are an embarrassment to Northern Ireland and only serve to take the focus off the real law breakers in Sinn Fein.” – eh, what exactly have the SF law breakers done then Arlene pet? Get your own house in order.

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    Mute Andy mc Laughlin
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    Apr 7th 2021, 11:03 PM

    Stay classy Arlene. “I only condemn these people because they are taking the spot light off this dead horse Iv been flogging this last few weeks” “ I can’t believe these loyalist criminals didn’t listen to me” “i only asked them to stage a bit of a show of strength and threaten a few port staff who where only trying to do their jobs” “none of this would have happened if we didn’t have to share power with them nasty catholics” “and if boris didn’t put that nasty border down that sea between us and them” “I nearly chocked when I had to use the name of that sea”

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    Mute Philip Duffy
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    Apr 7th 2021, 11:00 PM

    Arlene is a great fan of the Unionist flame.

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    Mute Seosamh
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:37 PM

    Border poll, let’s sort this once and for all.

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    Mute The Firestarter
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:45 PM

    @Seosamh: And how will that sort it? If you get your precious United Ireland, the Loyalist Paramilitaries would make mincemeat of the Gardai & Irish Army.

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    Mute Ronan MacKernan
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    Apr 7th 2021, 10:30 PM

    @Seosamh: Sort what out? Partition is great.

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    Mute Dónal
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    Apr 7th 2021, 11:21 PM

    @The Firestarter: hahaha WHAT

    Without the brits backing them up with intel & weapons loyalists are nothing but a pack of gormless gangsters.

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    Mute Donal Desmond
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:01 AM

    @The Firestarter: Especially when supported by British intelligence and and sponcered by the British government.

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    Mute Philip Kelly
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:07 AM

    @The Firestarter:
    We will live in fear 40 yrs of your loyalst threats will not stop a united Ireland

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    Mute On the right side
    Favourite On the right side
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:35 AM

    @Seosamh: In the 2011NI census 77.8% of people in NI see themselves as British or Northern Irish they dont see themselves as Irish or Dublin being their capital either.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People_of_Northern_Ireland

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    Mute Tom Ripley
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    Apr 8th 2021, 1:18 AM

    @On the right side: was there new census recently? Genuinely interested to see results of that. SF will Id will get power down south next election. Personally I’ve never voted for them I see them for what they are but I’m a realist and see very strong possibility of them getting power and pushing too fast with no cop on into a situation that starts something very ugly up there.

    I’d personally vote no on border poll, at least till there is clear desire up there to join us. Can’t see that for few generations. A lot more investment needed first in education and infrastructure.

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    Mute Austin Shields
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    Apr 8th 2021, 7:28 AM

    @On the right side: yawn…..

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    Mute Anthony Guinnessy
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    Apr 8th 2021, 10:18 AM

    @On the right side: according to a survey on there 86% identify as Irish or northern Irish and 87% identify as british or northern Irish. Its not as clear cut as you are making out and the spark that lit this bonfire was the recent census which shows protestants will be the minority religion and they are now afraid of a united ireland

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    Mute M Bowe
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    Apr 8th 2021, 11:32 AM

    @The Firestarter: loyalist paramilitaries have always depended on covert tactic support and arms from British forces, they are in fact British militia on this island. The GFA is an international agreement in law. Reunification achieved through it will be honoured internationally and Britain will not shore up loyalist militias. Once that support is gone these militias will be of a far lesser threat

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    Mute Ciaran McCann
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    Apr 7th 2021, 10:23 PM

    Is it the 12th already?

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    Mute john mounsey
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:35 PM

    I think we should avoid news stories of this nature from this other country. Best to keep our reporters out of the place. If they want to burn it down, work away.

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    Mute Marie Agnew
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    Apr 8th 2021, 10:05 AM

    @john mounsey: What an unfair remark to the thousands of Irish natives living in the six counties. It’s not another country it’s our country all be it occupied!!

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    Mute Squarepeg01
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    Apr 8th 2021, 11:55 AM

    @Marie Agnew: em, no it’s not. We got rid of articles 2 & 3 as the price of the GFA over 20 years ago, or weren’t you paying attention?

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    Mute Donal Desmond
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    Apr 8th 2021, 3:01 PM

    @john mounsey: That’s what happened in the first place. Successive Irish and British governments buried their heads in the sand concerning the six counties since the foundation of this State. A generation of conflict followed…By ignoring the present chaos ….History will repeat itself. The DUP have only themselves to blame for the violence of the last week.

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    Mute Michael Wall
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    Apr 8th 2021, 9:57 AM

    So, attending a funeral, real law breaker, attacking and burning out a bus, not a law breaker, got it.

    48
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    Mute Owwwwnnnn
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    Apr 7th 2021, 8:53 PM

    When you stoke he fire and it gets outta hand!

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    Mute Ciaran
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    Apr 7th 2021, 11:03 PM

    Try and convince these of a United Ireland .. LOL

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    Mute TonyB
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    Apr 8th 2021, 4:20 AM

    Welcome back 1969.

    Perhaps London will put troops onto the streets to stop this ‘terrorism’.

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    Mute Stephen Moffett
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:19 AM

    If they can’t behave, then I can’t stay far enough away. Who’d want to be a part of that. Dregs.

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    Mute Ciaran Burke
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:56 AM

    Leave them to it this is good PR it turns on the fence middle voters against loyalism.

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    Mute Me Darlin' Dublin
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    Apr 7th 2021, 8:46 PM

    ‘Bout ya. Shackin wee lad.

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    Mute Noel Doherty
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:39 PM

    @Me Darlin’ Dublin: Bout ye

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    Mute D H
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    Apr 7th 2021, 11:26 PM

    @Me Darlin’ Dublin: Be great craic up there in July if the last week or so is anything to go by

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    Mute Seán O'Loughlin
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    Apr 8th 2021, 1:19 PM

    The move to attack the Lanark Way interface was solely to entice a reaction from the people living in the Republican/Nationalist community there. Disgusting.

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    Mute Gerard Heery
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    Apr 8th 2021, 9:07 AM

    I blame the parents because most of their sproggs wouldn’t know how to read history from a book so the parents would have told them about their upbringing as sproggs throwing petrol bombs

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    Mute Billybutcher
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    Apr 7th 2021, 9:43 PM

    Proud to be a Fenian c##t

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    Mute Marie Agnew
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    Apr 8th 2021, 10:02 AM

    @Billybutcher: love the hair style, it suits you

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    Mute Mike Ruddy
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    Apr 8th 2021, 11:22 AM

    We all share an island. The people of the North are as much Irish as the people down South. I have travelled the whole of the island and it saddens me to see violence in any part of it. I have met some of the nicest people North of the border. Life is hard enough without having to put up with this. Let’s hope a peaceful resolution can be found. It’s time the Northern Assembly (for once) puts their differences aside and do what’s right for the people of Northern Ireland. After all that is what they are getting paid to do!

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    Mute Christy Mc Carthy
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    Apr 7th 2021, 10:37 PM

    Is there a shoot to kill policy for loyalist

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    Mute Sparky
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    Apr 8th 2021, 10:03 AM

    Who cares about the north?have we not enough problems in our own country to deal with

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    Mute Irish Cottage Rental
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    Apr 8th 2021, 10:09 AM

    @Sparky: Seamus Heaney, Mary McAleese and many others would be so proud of you!

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    Mute Teresa O'Halloran
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    Apr 8th 2021, 7:59 AM

    The best thing to put out a fire is to soak it with water. Turn the water canon on these little b-rats and give them a good soaking and then round up the parents of these b-rats and fine them good. If these little s-cum, twelve and thirteen year old are the future of Northern Ireland- God help them. Arlene Foster needs to resign for infighting violence and making the PSNI targets.

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    Mute Bryen O Murchu
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    Apr 8th 2021, 9:22 AM

    Anybody found guilty of rioting should have their entitlement to Irish
    passports which all person in the six counties are entitled to. So if they feel Being solely British is so valuable let’s test “if their freedom of movement throughout the EU “ is a valuable asset or not. Unless I’m wrong and Unionists would prefer to be burned at the stake for even considering applying for an Irish Passport. But The facts are they are applying in their thousands such. So one of the punishments for rioting and assault or indeed serious injury to PSNI members should have the right to an Irish passport withdrawn as I’m sure the holiday season will focus some minds on the advantages which British Citizens of Irish descent In other parts of the United Kingdom rule can only get with yards of form filling

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    Mute Divad Nayr
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    Apr 8th 2021, 11:35 AM

    Ah the poor UDR can’t sell their coke, sure your heart would go out to them

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    Mute Noelle Robb
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    Apr 8th 2021, 7:11 AM

    State of them

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    Mute Matty J Molloy
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:30 PM

    they all live in social housing just evict the wrong ones, the councils can do that.

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    Mute Welk wrangler
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    Apr 8th 2021, 2:54 PM

    @Matty J Molloy: the authorities are frightened of these thugs, the dup/uda guns never went away.

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    Mute Larry Williams
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    Apr 8th 2021, 11:32 AM

    Trying to imagine how bad it’ll be up there by the 12th July. Make it an independent state and get rid of it.

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    Mute Seamus Kelly
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    Apr 8th 2021, 9:15 AM
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    Mute Marie Agnew
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    Apr 8th 2021, 10:00 AM

    @Seamus Kelly: you can’t blame the kids, they wernt alive during the troubles, it’s the parents who are the problem, oh and Foster for winding them up, disgraceful

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    Mute billy bound
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    Apr 8th 2021, 10:20 AM

    A lot of these protestors look like they weren’t even born when the good Friday agreement was passed.
    Crazy people.

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    Mute Richard Egan
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:10 PM

    Why don’t the Police use Water Cannon’s on these yobs ,I’m sure it would eliminate the petrol boom’s

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    Mute Ciaran Farrelly
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    Apr 8th 2021, 1:40 PM

    P1ssing on their own doorstep as usual. Lovely folk.

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    Mute Bat Collins
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    Apr 8th 2021, 11:15 AM

    This is what happens when Unionists make stupid decisions. They supported Bumbling Boris against the wishes of the vast majority of citizens of the colony and now they will have to live with the disaster that leaving the EU has caused. All done to spite the nationalists and moderate Unionists.

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    Mute Matty J Molloy
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    Apr 8th 2021, 12:26 PM

    anyone who fights about religion or politics is a moran , anyway those people must be doing a roaring trade in canada goose jackets and electric bikes, with their mothers at home watching britains got talent and swallowing down snack boxes with tayoto sandwiches. lack of education is just a shame. (and no farther in sight)

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    Mute Aaron92utd
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    Apr 8th 2021, 2:55 PM

    @Matty J Molloy: walkers sandwiches lol..their sassnachs remember. Lol

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    Mute Ian O Hara
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    Apr 8th 2021, 2:17 PM

    Ironic Leo has feck all to say about it.

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    Mute Chris Gavican
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    Apr 8th 2021, 5:15 PM

    Let’s call a spade a spade here. This awfulness has taken its genesis from the loose vitriol all too easily spouted out by Arlene Foster. She has been reckless, plain and simple.

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    Mute Larry Doherty
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    Apr 8th 2021, 5:09 PM

    Brandon Lewis, the so-called British Secretary of State, could nt give a toss about the North. This is the guy who said he would break international law over Brexit and supported the recent British government’s breaches of the Protocol. Therefore, in my book, he is not one to preach at loyalists for breaking the law over the Protocol. He’s a complete waste of space.

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    Mute Damian Clarke
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    Apr 8th 2021, 1:18 PM

    It’ll be grand, they’ll be back to school on Monday.

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