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Tension on the streets heightened by hoax bomb calls
Thursday, 30 October 2008
enlargeFears were raised last night that a planned Army homecoming parade through the city this weekend could be disrupted by hoax bomb alerts.
Former Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers was speaking after two security alerts at the Parades Commission headquarters in Belfast city centre yesterday afternoon.
Traffic around the city centre was disrupted after police sealed off Bedford Street following the first alert.
Just after 3.15pm police received a report that a suspicious object had been left at Windsor House, the home of the Parades Commission, the British-Irish Joint Secretariat, the European Commission and the Courts Service.
The busy street was sealed off and occupants of the building were told to evacuate as Army technical officers searched for the object.
The object was later described by police as a hoax.
The street was sealed off for a second time following another security alert after 7pm last night. This was also declared a hoax a short time later.
Fears have been growing that violence may erupt this weekend when Royal Irish soldiers march through the city centre for their homecoming parade.
Mr Rodgers condemned the hoaxes as “disgraceful”.
“This is not the first occasion we have had suspect devices in that area,” he said.
“I thought those days were long since gone and hopefully the police can catch those involved. It’s the last thing we need. Any form of disruption in any city is not good, especially at a time when retailing in Belfast is suffering terribly.
“I have deep worries that there could be a number of hoax devices on Sunday to bring about massive disruption in relation to the parade by the security forces.”
Last night, a spokesman for the Parades Commission said staff inside the 20-floor building were all told to evacuate just after 4pm.
Meanwhile, the most senior military figure in Northern Ireland has written to all troops due to take part in Sunday's event urging them to act with dignity.
A Special Order issued by General Officer Commanding (GOC) Major General Chris Brown said the event was not a celebration of war nor was it an excuse to deepen divisions in Northern Ireland.
He reminded the soldiers that not everyone in the region supported the British Army and that the right to protest was one they should respect.
His note also revealed that the Army has taken a number of measures, such as ensuring no guns will be carried during the event, in an effort to ease tensions.
“We must recognise the events do not have the undivided support of the wider community in Northern Ireland,” he wrote.
“The right to legitimate and peaceful protest is something we all respect and hold dear.
“Critical to the success of these events and the viability of similar occasions in the future will be our demeanour as we share the streets.”
The GOC continued: “To those of you on parade: know that your achievements on operations are in the highest traditions of the Armed Services.
“Maintain those standards irrespective of any protest of whatever type.
“To your families and friends: your personal sacrifice and unflinching support have sustained your loved ones throughout the long months away. Continue that dignified support over the weekend.
“This is not a celebration of war. It is certainly not an excuse for deepening friction amongst the community in Northern Ireland; I expect you all to ensure it does not become one.”
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Comments
71 Comments
This is an absolute PR disaster for Sinn Fein. Finally the cat has been let out of the bag. It is simply the fact that they will never be happy until every single piece of britishness has been extinguished from Northern Ireland. How does this protest square with the fact that Alex Maskey has laid a wreath at City Hall on Remembrance Day?
Posted by Teddy Bear | 31.10.08, 23:41 GMT
I would like to remind Gerry Adams in case he has a short memory that the IRA murdered and maimed unionist , loyalist ,nationalist and republican, protestant and catholic in their so called war upward of 30 years so lets shed no tears Gerry about a homecoming for british soldiers after all this is part of the UK whether you like it or not and will always remain part of the uk.
We will be there in our thousands GET IT GERRY. BElfAST is BRITISH
Posted by geordie | 31.10.08, 13:48 GMT
support the troops
those brave men and women deserve a welcome home parade .
they have risked there lives for there job and have more bravery than anyone protesting
step back in time when the rebuplicans needed there help cryed out for them to protect them here in northern ireland sein fein will never be happy.
i hope it passes peacefully i shall be supporting them all well done to all who march
Posted by carly | 30.10.08, 23:43 GMT
To GI Jaques: Sounds like you're saying only Americans are fighting the war in Iraq & Afghanistan. Did not the American government voice their gratitude to Britain for being such a brave and willing ally? Let's not forget this is a war waged by America in their pursuit of oil!! I think ALL Americans should be grateful for the support of British Troops otherwise this war may have ended the same as "Vietnam", and we all know how the Americans fared there! Name one war America fought and won on her own?
As for your comment (and I quote), "with armies like that who needs enemas". Who was the enemy when British troops were killed by so called American "friendly fire"?
I say WELCOME HOME BOYS AND GIRLS of the RIR, and thank you for everything you have done in the name of freedom not only today but in the past. "Faugh a Ballagh".
Posted by Lily O | 30.10.08, 19:44 GMT
NOT LONG NOW CANT WAIT TO FEEL THAT LOVELY PROUD FEELING WHEN WATCHING THESE WONDERFUL BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN!!!!!!! HOPEFULLY SF WILL STAY OUT OF IT;ALWAYS HAVE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT SOMETHING!.....THE HOMECOMING PARADE IS TAKING PLACE ...IF YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO ATTEND STAY IN DOORS!!!
Posted by roberta douglas | 30.10.08, 15:08 GMT
mickey, point taken. It is hard to remain optimistic, though.
Posted by Attilathehun | 30.10.08, 11:39 GMT
Attilla, "As long as there are only a handful of bigots on both sides to keep the fire burning there will never be real peace in Ireland".
I wish you and one or two others would stop suggesting this - simply, you're wrong. You could say there will never be peace in America because of gun laws, or there will never be peace across the UK because of binge drinking.
Why let a handful of bigots ruin it for the rest? Northern Ireland can get by without them and me and most folk I know are doggedly determined.
The bigots and mud-rakers deserve our pity, not our resentment. Some (many) may simply need educating. Message boards like this are a start. If people are too brainwashed or just too thick to accept/move on, let THEM "wallow in their own crapulence". It's their issue, not mine.
Posted by mickey | 30.10.08, 09:41 GMT
Sorry to be the party pooper, but the British Army have been widely criticised for beating a hasty retreat out of Basra and bunkering down at the airport, where they remain to this day, thus leaving Basra in the hands of the Islamic fanatics....so much for their bravery. The US had to retake the city. Same story in Afghanistan, no one her but us chickens should be the British Army motto...they high-tailed out of Musa Qala in the face of the Taliban and retreated to their bunkers. Again the US had to step up to the plate to sort out their mess. With armies like that on your side who needs enemas....
Posted by GI Jacques | 30.10.08, 08:30 GMT
Booby
You need to go back to school. Ireland does exist, it is an island in the North Atlantic, look at your atlas, if you have one...
Northern Ireland is mixed, British and Irish, and it has a population that is 43% non-British, on an island (yes the same Ireland as above) that is about 78% non-British so you have to try to learn to live with that Booby and respect the rights and opinions of others
Posted by Jimmy | 30.10.08, 08:12 GMT
This is for aussie, You need to understand that there is NO SUCH PLACE AS IRELAND 1, There is NORTHERN IRELAND 2, THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND So the only 1 which is a neutral (which you cant even spell ) is the republic of ireland so please get your facts right before you put them to print. NORTHERN IRELAND is BRITISH and will remain BRITISH.
Posted by Bobby | 30.10.08, 01:10 GMT
I support the home coming parade for the RIR soldiers on Sunday.
It is a pity that Sinn Fein and other Republican activists simply can not tolerate a legitimate army fighting for the freedom of civilians in another country. They are so hypocritical. Was it not the IRA and Sinn Fein who supported and offered their expertise to Spains basques and have they forgotten about the Columbia three and their bird watching escapade? All this political posturing is very dangerous indeed. Political leaders need to stand back and be responsible otherwise it all may relight the flames of hatred and distrust within our society.
Posted by JOHN | 29.10.08, 22:10 GMT
The ordinary men and women of the British army have always been more wronged against than sinners. They follow the orders given to them by the British government who admittedly havent always got it right. I dont believe that there is any justification for the wars in Iraq and Afganistan and given a choice most of the men of the RIR would not have been there. Sunday is a day of celebration that these young men have mostly returned mostly intact because if a real war broke out on Monday these same men would be our first line of defence regardless of religion or politics. Its time Sinn fien and Relatives for Justice seen the bigger picture.
Posted by Mother first | 29.10.08, 21:53 GMT
Maurice, I think you should understand that Belfast City Centre is a shared space and no-one is barred from it and certainly not the Army who helped prevent Northern Ireland sliding into Anarchy. Belfast City centre is not the Bogside or the Falls.I think that the majority of people would however consider a Sinn Fein rally in the centre of Belfast (as there has been) as nothing more than the celebration of murder and terror. Yet in the past these have been allowed to proceed without hindrance or protest. Sinn Fein are setting a precedent here. Some within the Republican community recognise this whilst others remain wedged in the past.I will be there on Sunday to watch the parade, pay my respects and remember those that have been injured and those who will never return home again. I will ignore Sinn Fein and its`Rent-a-mob, but will remember what they have done in the future.
Posted by Cliff | 29.10.08, 21:50 GMT
Well said Maude, John and other likewise comments.
Gerry Adams and his followers have ruined our country and seem set on creating divisions into the foreseeable future.
Their time has gone. Let the young people in Northern Ireland and Ireland enjoy peace that was denied us from the late 60s.
Posted by RGB | 29.10.08, 21:34 GMT
Gerry,
Give it a rest! Why can't you? It's for one day!
I despair when you just keep spouting semantic nonsense like this. A united Ireland? Not with you and your ilk at the helm!
Posted by Ultan of Ardbraccan | 29.10.08, 21:15 GMT
Would like to answer Paraic,s comment. You say the Royal Irish cowered for cover in their bases outside Basra. For a start Paraic,a soldier has to obey orders. Maybe you did not read the story, of the Royal Irish, in a daily in the Republic. Like to let you know a wee bit about the article.From arriving in the trouble spot,the Royal Irish soon got involved in the thick of things.Time after time i watched these young men displaying courage beyond belief,without sleep for 48 hours and surrounded on all sides,they did not falter. Not one soldier,showed any sign of fatigue, it made me so proud to be Irish. Can go on Paraic,but this will do for now. Have a look at the bravery awards the Royal Irish received. Would like to ask, what you have done, for your beloved Ireland. Ulster is British, and i think that's your problem,don't let that cloud your few of these brave young men.They deserve a welcome home,if not from you, from many others.
Posted by UNIONCRUISER | 29.10.08, 21:07 GMT
650 civilians killed by the provisionals during the troubles, more than double that killed by any other group (refs: the extemely detailed CAIN PROJECT and the Lost Lives Book).
Keep your head firmly buried in the sand Paraic.
Posted by Lost Lives | 29.10.08, 21:04 GMT
If the families of these soldiers want to show their pride in their sons, then who are the objectors who have lost no one, to stop them. They should have the good manners to respect the families of these returning soldiers. The objectors want consideration, then they should give consideration. They do not have to attend.
Posted by Maude | 29.10.08, 20:48 GMT
Remember when the troops marched into Belfast in 1969. Catholics were glad. These young soldiers put their lives on the line because it was their duty.
We know that during the army's stay that the Loyalists fired on them.
A few years ago the President of Ireland attended the War Graves in Europe. So the SF must move forward and stop living in the past.
Posted by John | 29.10.08, 20:39 GMT
As long as there are only a handful of bigots on both sides to keep the fire burning there will never be real peace in Ireland (what ever you want to call it and in any shape or form).
Nothing to be said against peaceful protest, but there is a time and a place. Protesting on Sunday is like Protestants protesting at the Republican plot on Easter Sunday. Preaching tolerance is one thing, showing it is clearly a different matter for lots of people.
Posted by Attilathehun | 29.10.08, 20:25 GMT
71 Comments