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Loyalists vow Dublin flag protests will be peaceful

Loyalist protesters on their way to Belfast City Hall Expand
A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast Expand
A burned out car during disturbances which erupted in east Belfast Expand
A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast Expand
Police on patrol during disturbances which erupted in east Belfast Expand
A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast Expand
A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast Expand
A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast Expand
PSNI in Castlereagh Street of east Belfast Expand
A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast Expand
PSNI officers in Castlereagh Street of east Belfast Expand
A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast Expand
Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - Sunday 6th January 2013 - A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast this evening following a loyalist protest. A campaign of street demonstrations has been ongoing since Belfast City Council took a vote on 3 December which limited the number of days the union flag is flown at Belfast City Hall. Picture by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. Expand
A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast Expand
Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - Sunday 6th January 2013 - A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast this evening following a loyalist protest.A campaign of street demonstrations has been ongoing since Belfast City Council took a vote on 3 December which limited the number of days the union flag is flown at Belfast City Hall.Picture by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. Expand
A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast Expand
Loyalist protesters block of the Newtownards Road Belfast where shots are reported to have been fired on Saturday January 5 2013 Expand
Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast City Hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013 Expand
Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast City Hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013 Expand
Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast City Hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013 Expand
Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast City Hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013 Expand
Loyalist Protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013. Ongoing protests and demonstrations continue at the removal of the Union flag from the city hall. The protest was largley peacfull with only minor skermishes.Picture Mark McCormick. Expand
PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards after a Loyalist flag protest at Belfast City Hall Expand
Willie Frazer at loyalist protests near Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013 Expand
Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013 Expand
Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013 Expand
Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013 Expand
Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013 Expand
Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013 Expand
Willie Frazer talks to Sara Girvin as loyalist protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013 Expand
PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards Expand
SNI officers on the Lower Newtownards Expand
PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards Expand
Loyalist flag protest at Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist flag protest at Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist flag protest at Belfast City Hall. Expand
PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards Expand
PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards t Expand
Loyalist flag protest at Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist flag protest at Belfast City Hall Expand
PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards Expand
PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards Expand
PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards Expand
PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards Expand
PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards Expand
PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards road, Belfast January 5 2013 Expand
Castlereagh Street area of east Belfast following loyalist rioting January 3 2013 Expand
Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013 Expand
Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013 Expand
Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013 Expand
A burning barricade on the Newtownards road area of Belfast, where police have been targeted by rioters Expand
Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013 Expand
Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013 Expand
Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013 Expand
Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013 Expand
Carrickfergus flag protest. January 2, 2013 Expand
Carrickfergus Flag Protest, January 2 2013. Expand
Loyalists across Northern Ireland have been protesting since councillors in Belfast voted to limit the number of days they fly the Union flag Expand
Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012 Expand
Jackie McDonald has warned that loyalist protests cannot succeed in having the Union flag reinstated above Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012 Expand
Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012 Expand
Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012 Expand
Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012 Expand
Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012 Expand
Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012 Expand
Expand
Loyalists block the Sandy Row area of Belfast as part of a mass protest over flags Expand
Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt and First Minister Peter Robinson were among those holding talks about the Union flag dispute in Belfast Expand
Loyalists protesting around the village area in south Belfast December 17 2012 Expand
Loyalists protesting, blocking traffic in Derry Expand
Loyalists protesting, blocking traffic in Derry Expand
Loyalists protesting, blocking traffic in Derry Expand
Loyalist hold protests around the village area in south Belfast Expand
Loyalist hold protests around the village area in south Belfast Expand
Loyalist hold protests around the village area in south Belfast Expand
Loyalist hold protests around the village area in south Belfast Expand
Loyalist hold protests around the village area in south Belfast Expand
Loyalist hold protests around the village area in south Belfast Expand
Loyalists taking part in a protest over the restrictions of flying the Union flag protesting outside Belfast City Hall Expand
Up to 1,000 people took part in the cross community Peace Gathering in Belfast city centre Expand
Loyalists in Belfast have been protesting against a decision to reduce the number of days the Union flag will fly from City Hall Expand
Protest outside the Alliance Party office in East Belfast belonging to Naomi Long, following the decision by Belfast City Council to stop flying the union flag every day. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday December 4, 2012. See PA story ULSTER Flag. Photo credit should read: Paul Faith/PA Wire Expand
Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag Expand
Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a flag protest Expand
Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag Expand
Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag Expand
Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag Expand
Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag Expand
Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag Expand
Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag Expand
Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag Expand
Police in Carrick come under attack from protestors following a fire at the Alliance party office Expand
Police in Carrick come under attack from protestors following a fire at the Alliance party office Expand
Aftermath of riots in Carrickfergus. Photograph by Mark Winter Expand
Aftermath of riots in Carrickfergus. Photograph by Mark Winter Expand
Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest Expand
Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Expand
Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest. Expand
Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest. Expand
Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest. Expand
Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest. Expand
Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest. Expand
Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest. Expand
Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest. Expand
Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest Expand
Loyalist protestors carrying Union flags clash with police outside the City Hall in Belfast Expand
Loyalist protestors carrying Union flags clash with police outside the City Hall in Belfast Expand
Loyalist protestors carrying Union flags clash with police outside the City Hall in Belfast Expand
Loyalist protestors carrying Union flags clash with police outside the City Hall in Belfast Expand
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall Expand
Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall Expand

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Loyalist protesters on their way to Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protesters on their way to Belfast City Hall

A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast

A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

A burned out car during disturbances which erupted in east Belfast

A burned out car during disturbances which erupted in east Belfast

A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast

A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Police on patrol during disturbances which erupted in east Belfast

Police on patrol during disturbances which erupted in east Belfast

A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast

A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast

A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast

A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

PSNI in Castlereagh Street of east Belfast

PSNI in Castlereagh Street of east Belfast

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast

A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

PSNI officers in Castlereagh Street of east Belfast

PSNI officers in Castlereagh Street of east Belfast

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast

A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - Sunday 6th January 2013 - A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast this evening following a loyalist protest. A campaign of street demonstrations has been ongoing since Belfast City Council took a vote on 3 December which limited the number of days the union flag is flown at Belfast City Hall. Picture by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - Sunday 6th January 2013 - A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast this evening following a loyalist protest. A campaign of street demonstrations has been ongoing since Belfast City Council took a vote on 3 December which limited the number of days the union flag is flown at Belfast City Hall. Picture by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast

A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - Sunday 6th January 2013 - A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast this evening following a loyalist protest.A campaign of street demonstrations has been ongoing since Belfast City Council took a vote on 3 December which limited the number of days the union flag is flown at Belfast City Hall.Picture by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - Sunday 6th January 2013 - A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast this evening following a loyalist protest.A campaign of street demonstrations has been ongoing since Belfast City Council took a vote on 3 December which limited the number of days the union flag is flown at Belfast City Hall.Picture by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast

A car burns in the Castlereagh Street of east Belfast

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Loyalist protesters block of the Newtownards Road Belfast where shots are reported to have been fired on Saturday January 5 2013

Loyalist protesters block of the Newtownards Road Belfast where shots are reported to have been fired on Saturday January 5 2013

Colm O'Reilly Photography

Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast City Hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013

Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast City Hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013

Mark McCormick

Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast City Hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013

Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast City Hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013

Mark McCormick

Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast City Hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013

Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast City Hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013

Mark McCormick

Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast City Hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013

Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast City Hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Loyalist Protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013. Ongoing protests and demonstrations continue at the removal of the Union flag from the city hall. The protest was largley peacfull with only minor skermishes.Picture Mark McCormick.

Loyalist Protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013. Ongoing protests and demonstrations continue at the removal of the Union flag from the city hall. The protest was largley peacfull with only minor skermishes.Picture Mark McCormick.

Mark McCormick

PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards after a Loyalist flag protest at Belfast City Hall

PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards after a Loyalist flag protest at Belfast City Hall

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Willie Frazer at loyalist protests near Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013

Willie Frazer at loyalist protests near Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013

Mark McCormick

Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013

Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013

Mark McCormick

Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013

Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013

Mark McCormick

Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013

Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013

Mark McCormick

Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013

Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013

Mark McCormick

Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013

Loyalist protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013

Mark McCormick

Willie Frazer talks to Sara Girvin as loyalist protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013

Willie Frazer talks to Sara Girvin as loyalist protestors converge on Belfast city hall. Picture date: Saturday January 5, 2013

Mark McCormick

PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards

PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

SNI officers on the Lower Newtownards

SNI officers on the Lower Newtownards

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards

PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Loyalist flag protest at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist flag protest at Belfast City Hall

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Loyalist flag protest at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist flag protest at Belfast City Hall

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Loyalist flag protest at Belfast City Hall.

Loyalist flag protest at Belfast City Hall.

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards

PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards t

PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards t

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Loyalist flag protest at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist flag protest at Belfast City Hall

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Loyalist flag protest at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist flag protest at Belfast City Hall

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards

PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards

PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards

PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards

PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards

PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards road, Belfast January 5 2013

PSNI officers on the Lower Newtownards road, Belfast January 5 2013

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Castlereagh Street area of east Belfast following loyalist rioting January 3 2013

Castlereagh Street area of east Belfast following loyalist rioting January 3 2013

Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013

Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013

Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013

Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013

Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013

Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013

A burning barricade on the Newtownards road area of Belfast, where police have been targeted by rioters

A burning barricade on the Newtownards road area of Belfast, where police have been targeted by rioters

Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013

Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013

Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013

Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013

Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013

Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013

Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013

Flag protest at Cluan Place, January 3 2013

Carrickfergus flag protest. January 2, 2013

Carrickfergus flag protest. January 2, 2013

Carrickfergus Flag Protest, January 2 2013.

Carrickfergus Flag Protest, January 2 2013.

Loyalists across Northern Ireland have been protesting since councillors in Belfast voted to limit the number of days they fly the Union flag

Loyalists across Northern Ireland have been protesting since councillors in Belfast voted to limit the number of days they fly the Union flag

Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012

Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Jackie McDonald has warned that loyalist protests cannot succeed in having the Union flag reinstated above Belfast City Hall

Jackie McDonald has warned that loyalist protests cannot succeed in having the Union flag reinstated above Belfast City Hall

Martin McKeown

Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012

Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012

Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012

Mark McCormick

Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012

Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012

Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012

Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012

Loyalist protestors and PSNI officers pictured at Belfast City Hall on 22 December 2012

Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

Loyalists block the Sandy Row area of Belfast as part of a mass protest over flags

Loyalists block the Sandy Row area of Belfast as part of a mass protest over flags

Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt and First Minister Peter Robinson were among those holding talks about the Union flag dispute in Belfast

Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt and First Minister Peter Robinson were among those holding talks about the Union flag dispute in Belfast

Loyalists protesting around the village area in south Belfast December 17 2012

Loyalists protesting around the village area in south Belfast December 17 2012

Loyalists protesting, blocking traffic in Derry

Loyalists protesting, blocking traffic in Derry

MCLAUGHLIN ©

Loyalists protesting, blocking traffic in Derry

Loyalists protesting, blocking traffic in Derry

MCLAUGHLI ©

Loyalists protesting, blocking traffic in Derry

Loyalists protesting, blocking traffic in Derry

MCLAUGHLIN ©

Loyalist hold protests around the village area in south Belfast

Loyalist hold protests around the village area in south Belfast

Loyalist hold protests around the village area in south Belfast

Loyalist hold protests around the village area in south Belfast

Loyalist hold protests around the village area in south Belfast

Loyalist hold protests around the village area in south Belfast

Loyalist hold protests around the village area in south Belfast

Loyalist hold protests around the village area in south Belfast

Loyalist hold protests around the village area in south Belfast

Loyalist hold protests around the village area in south Belfast

Loyalist hold protests around the village area in south Belfast

Loyalist hold protests around the village area in south Belfast

Loyalists taking part in a protest over the restrictions of flying the Union flag protesting outside Belfast City Hall

Loyalists taking part in a protest over the restrictions of flying the Union flag protesting outside Belfast City Hall

Up to 1,000 people took part in the cross community Peace Gathering in Belfast city centre

Up to 1,000 people took part in the cross community Peace Gathering in Belfast city centre

Loyalists in Belfast have been protesting against a decision to reduce the number of days the Union flag will fly from City Hall

Loyalists in Belfast have been protesting against a decision to reduce the number of days the Union flag will fly from City Hall

Protest outside the Alliance Party office in East Belfast belonging to Naomi Long, following the decision by Belfast City Council to stop flying the union flag every day. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday December 4, 2012. See PA story ULSTER Flag. Photo credit should read: Paul Faith/PA Wire

Protest outside the Alliance Party office in East Belfast belonging to Naomi Long, following the decision by Belfast City Council to stop flying the union flag every day. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday December 4, 2012. See PA story ULSTER Flag. Photo credit should read: Paul Faith/PA Wire

Paul Faith

Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag

Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag

Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a flag protest

Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a flag protest

Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag

Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag

Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag

Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag

Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag

Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag

Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag

Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag

Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag

Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag

Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag

Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag

Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag

Alliance party office which was set on fire in Carrickfergus after a protest rally over the Union flag

Police in Carrick come under attack from protestors following a fire at the Alliance party office

Police in Carrick come under attack from protestors following a fire at the Alliance party office

Police in Carrick come under attack from protestors following a fire at the Alliance party office

Police in Carrick come under attack from protestors following a fire at the Alliance party office

Aftermath of riots in Carrickfergus. Photograph by Mark Winter

Aftermath of riots in Carrickfergus. Photograph by Mark Winter

Aftermath of riots in Carrickfergus. Photograph by Mark Winter

Aftermath of riots in Carrickfergus. Photograph by Mark Winter

Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest

Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest

Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days.

Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days.

Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest.

Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest.

Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest.

Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest.

Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest.

Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest.

Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest.

Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest.

Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest.

Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest.

Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest.

Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest.

Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest.

Northern Ireland- 4th December 2012 Mandatory Credit - Photo-Jonathan Porter/Presseye. Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest.

Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest

Loyalist hold protest at Naomi Long's east Belfast Alliance office following a council vote last night which will see the Union Flag only follow certain days. Loyalist protesters pictured on the Newtownards Road during the protest

Loyalist protestors carrying Union flags clash with police outside the City Hall in Belfast

Loyalist protestors carrying Union flags clash with police outside the City Hall in Belfast

Paul Faith

Loyalist protestors carrying Union flags clash with police outside the City Hall in Belfast

Loyalist protestors carrying Union flags clash with police outside the City Hall in Belfast

Paul Faith

Loyalist protestors carrying Union flags clash with police outside the City Hall in Belfast

Loyalist protestors carrying Union flags clash with police outside the City Hall in Belfast

Paul Faith

Loyalist protestors carrying Union flags clash with police outside the City Hall in Belfast

Loyalist protestors carrying Union flags clash with police outside the City Hall in Belfast

Paul Faith

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Paul Faith

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Paul Faith

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

Loyalist protestors pictured at Belfast City Hall

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Loyalist protesters on their way to Belfast City Hall

By Luke Byrne and Anna Maguire

The organisers of a planned demonstration in Dublin over the Belfast Union flag dispute will keep the event small in the hope that it passes off peacefully.

Loyalist activist Willie Frazer has said the demonstration will take place outside Leinster House at noon on Saturday.

Mr Frazer told the Irish Independent that the 150 places available on the three buses that will leave from Northern Ireland filled within a few hours of the announcement.

But he said that no further buses will be made available and that he hopes the protest can pass off peacefully.

"This is not about swamping Dublin or bringing 500 or 600 people down. It's about making our point in a peaceful manner," he said.

Mr Frazer has said Ulster loyalists will ask "sarcastically" that the Irish tricolour is lowered at the demonstration to give Irish people "a sense of how we feel".

But the demonstrators are likely to be disappointed. An Oireachtas spokesman confirmed that the flag will not be flying on the day of the protest.

The Tricolour only flies over Leinster House when the Dail or Seanad is in official session.

Mr Frazer's comments came as shots were fired at police officers in Belfast by loyalist protesters.

A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, while two others were also detained amid ongoing street disturbances.

And rioting erupted in East Belfast again last night, with thugs hijacking and burning a car on the Woodstock Link. A car was also burnt out on Castlereagh Street as riot police moved in to disperse protesters.

Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore condemned the attacks and said that the Irish government fully supported the efforts of Northern Ireland's elected leaders to resolve the flags issue.

"These attacks over the past three days are not the mark of legitimate protest but are the actions of a small group who want to bring Northern Ireland back to a darker past."

Meanwhile, a young mother and councillor has blamed "fascists" for an attack on her home. SDLP councillor Claire Hanna said seven shots were fired at her home from a high-powered ball-bearing gun last Thursday evening.

Ms Hanna, her husband and baby daughter returned from holidaying in the Republic to find three downstairs windows of their home shattered and their front door damaged.

The attack is being investigated by police. Ms Hanna said the "cowardly" attack had disgusted her.

Last month, expectant mother Christine Bower (27) and her husband Michael (26) -- both of whom are Alliance councillors -- were among a number of politicians whose homes were targeted amid violence.

Tonight sees Belfast city councillors meet for the first time since violence flared outside City Hall on December 3 -- leading to five weeks of street protests and mayhem.

A council spokeswoman has said that an appropriate policing operation will be put in place ahead of tonight's meeting.

However, councillors said they were unaware if additional security measures would be deployed to prevent the scenes witnessed last month.

Rioting loyalists injured 15 PSNI members, two council security guards and a press photographer outside City Hall last month, when they tried to smash their way into Belfast City Hall after the vote to limit the flying of the union flag.

Belfast Telegraph

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