Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.
You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.
If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.
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.
Advertisement
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.”
For over an hour now petrol bombs, fireworks and rocks have been thrown over this peacewall. Crowds goading each other through the gaps. Police landrover appeared to try and ram the gates closed but two-and-fro attacks have continued. pic.twitter.com/3qBXYm6jgY
Arlene Foster speaks with PSNI chief constable as Stormont is recalled to debate violence
Brian Rowan: Once again, the politics of Northern Ireland is in a mess and violence has won out
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.
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.
Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article.
Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Close
238 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic.
Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy
here
before taking part.
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?
@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
@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
@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.
@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.
@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.
@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
@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.
@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..
@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.
@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.
@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.
@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.
@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
@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
@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.
@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.
@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.
@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.
@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
@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
@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.
@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.
@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.
@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.
@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.
@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 ??????????
@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.
@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.
@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
@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.
@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
@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.
@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.
@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.
@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.
@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.
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.
@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.
@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.
@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.
@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).
@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.
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
@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
@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.
@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
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.
@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
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???
“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.
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”
@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.
@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.
@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.
@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
@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
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.
@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!!
@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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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
@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
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.
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)
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.
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.
Man arrested following Stoneybatter knife attack to appear in court this morning
1 hr ago
13.5k
Dublin City
Dublin City Council propose policy to ‘remove and destroy’ Airbnb lock boxes from public spaces
41 mins ago
5.4k
17
gotta tell you
'Completely unprofessional': Donal Skehan pushes back on Samantha Mumba 'insulting' Eurosong panellists
Updated
15 hrs ago
117k
Your Cookies. Your Choice.
Cookies help provide our news service while also enabling the advertising needed to fund this work.
We categorise cookies as Necessary, Performance (used to analyse the site performance) and Targeting (used to target advertising which helps us keep this service free).
We and our 143 partners store and access personal data, like browsing data or unique identifiers, on your device. Selecting Accept All enables tracking technologies to support the purposes shown under we and our partners process data to provide. If trackers are disabled, some content and ads you see may not be as relevant to you. You can resurface this menu to change your choices or withdraw consent at any time by clicking the Cookie Preferences link on the bottom of the webpage .Your choices will have effect within our Website. For more details, refer to our Privacy Policy.
We and our vendors process data for the following purposes:
Use precise geolocation data. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Store and/or access information on a device. Personalised advertising and content, advertising and content measurement, audience research and services development.
Cookies Preference Centre
We process your data to deliver content or advertisements and measure the delivery of such content or advertisements to extract insights about our website. We share this information with our partners on the basis of consent. You may exercise your right to consent, based on a specific purpose below or at a partner level in the link under each purpose. Some vendors may process your data based on their legitimate interests, which does not require your consent. You cannot object to tracking technologies placed to ensure security, prevent fraud, fix errors, or deliver and present advertising and content, and precise geolocation data and active scanning of device characteristics for identification may be used to support this purpose. This exception does not apply to targeted advertising. These choices will be signaled to our vendors participating in the Transparency and Consent Framework.
Manage Consent Preferences
Necessary Cookies
Always Active
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work.
Targeting Cookies
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
Functional Cookies
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then these services may not function properly.
Performance Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not be able to monitor our performance.
Store and/or access information on a device 98 partners can use this purpose
Cookies, device or similar online identifiers (e.g. login-based identifiers, randomly assigned identifiers, network based identifiers) together with other information (e.g. browser type and information, language, screen size, supported technologies etc.) can be stored or read on your device to recognise it each time it connects to an app or to a website, for one or several of the purposes presented here.
Personalised advertising and content, advertising and content measurement, audience research and services development 128 partners can use this purpose
Use limited data to select advertising 98 partners can use this purpose
Advertising presented to you on this service can be based on limited data, such as the website or app you are using, your non-precise location, your device type or which content you are (or have been) interacting with (for example, to limit the number of times an ad is presented to you).
Create profiles for personalised advertising 73 partners can use this purpose
Information about your activity on this service (such as forms you submit, content you look at) can be stored and combined with other information about you (for example, information from your previous activity on this service and other websites or apps) or similar users. This is then used to build or improve a profile about you (that might include possible interests and personal aspects). Your profile can be used (also later) to present advertising that appears more relevant based on your possible interests by this and other entities.
Use profiles to select personalised advertising 72 partners can use this purpose
Advertising presented to you on this service can be based on your advertising profiles, which can reflect your activity on this service or other websites or apps (like the forms you submit, content you look at), possible interests and personal aspects.
Create profiles to personalise content 36 partners can use this purpose
Information about your activity on this service (for instance, forms you submit, non-advertising content you look at) can be stored and combined with other information about you (such as your previous activity on this service or other websites or apps) or similar users. This is then used to build or improve a profile about you (which might for example include possible interests and personal aspects). Your profile can be used (also later) to present content that appears more relevant based on your possible interests, such as by adapting the order in which content is shown to you, so that it is even easier for you to find content that matches your interests.
Use profiles to select personalised content 32 partners can use this purpose
Content presented to you on this service can be based on your content personalisation profiles, which can reflect your activity on this or other services (for instance, the forms you submit, content you look at), possible interests and personal aspects. This can for example be used to adapt the order in which content is shown to you, so that it is even easier for you to find (non-advertising) content that matches your interests.
Measure advertising performance 119 partners can use this purpose
Information regarding which advertising is presented to you and how you interact with it can be used to determine how well an advert has worked for you or other users and whether the goals of the advertising were reached. For instance, whether you saw an ad, whether you clicked on it, whether it led you to buy a product or visit a website, etc. This is very helpful to understand the relevance of advertising campaigns.
Measure content performance 59 partners can use this purpose
Information regarding which content is presented to you and how you interact with it can be used to determine whether the (non-advertising) content e.g. reached its intended audience and matched your interests. For instance, whether you read an article, watch a video, listen to a podcast or look at a product description, how long you spent on this service and the web pages you visit etc. This is very helpful to understand the relevance of (non-advertising) content that is shown to you.
Understand audiences through statistics or combinations of data from different sources 70 partners can use this purpose
Reports can be generated based on the combination of data sets (like user profiles, statistics, market research, analytics data) regarding your interactions and those of other users with advertising or (non-advertising) content to identify common characteristics (for instance, to determine which target audiences are more receptive to an ad campaign or to certain contents).
Develop and improve services 77 partners can use this purpose
Information about your activity on this service, such as your interaction with ads or content, can be very helpful to improve products and services and to build new products and services based on user interactions, the type of audience, etc. This specific purpose does not include the development or improvement of user profiles and identifiers.
Use limited data to select content 38 partners can use this purpose
Content presented to you on this service can be based on limited data, such as the website or app you are using, your non-precise location, your device type, or which content you are (or have been) interacting with (for example, to limit the number of times a video or an article is presented to you).
Use precise geolocation data 42 partners can use this special feature
With your acceptance, your precise location (within a radius of less than 500 metres) may be used in support of the purposes explained in this notice.
Actively scan device characteristics for identification 24 partners can use this special feature
With your acceptance, certain characteristics specific to your device might be requested and used to distinguish it from other devices (such as the installed fonts or plugins, the resolution of your screen) in support of the purposes explained in this notice.
Ensure security, prevent and detect fraud, and fix errors 79 partners can use this special purpose
Always Active
Your data can be used to monitor for and prevent unusual and possibly fraudulent activity (for example, regarding advertising, ad clicks by bots), and ensure systems and processes work properly and securely. It can also be used to correct any problems you, the publisher or the advertiser may encounter in the delivery of content and ads and in your interaction with them.
Deliver and present advertising and content 89 partners can use this special purpose
Always Active
Certain information (like an IP address or device capabilities) is used to ensure the technical compatibility of the content or advertising, and to facilitate the transmission of the content or ad to your device.
Match and combine data from other data sources 65 partners can use this feature
Always Active
Information about your activity on this service may be matched and combined with other information relating to you and originating from various sources (for instance your activity on a separate online service, your use of a loyalty card in-store, or your answers to a survey), in support of the purposes explained in this notice.
Link different devices 47 partners can use this feature
Always Active
In support of the purposes explained in this notice, your device might be considered as likely linked to other devices that belong to you or your household (for instance because you are logged in to the same service on both your phone and your computer, or because you may use the same Internet connection on both devices).
Identify devices based on information transmitted automatically 77 partners can use this feature
Always Active
Your device might be distinguished from other devices based on information it automatically sends when accessing the Internet (for instance, the IP address of your Internet connection or the type of browser you are using) in support of the purposes exposed in this notice.
Save and communicate privacy choices 57 partners can use this special purpose
Always Active
The choices you make regarding the purposes and entities listed in this notice are saved and made available to those entities in the form of digital signals (such as a string of characters). This is necessary in order to enable both this service and those entities to respect such choices.
have your say