Fresh violence fears over loyalist march
Organisers of a massive new loyalist rally could unleash a fresh wave of violence on the streets of Belfast, outraged nationalists claimed today.
Representatives of the Love Ulster campaign, set up to oppose a feared slide towards a United Ireland, are planning a huge demonstration in the city next month.
Victims’ groups, Orangemen and loyalist bands are all set to take part in the October 29 march.
Organisers insisted the gathering to vent unionist frustration at the peace process will be peaceful and marshalled.
But others, horrified by a week of ferocious rioting in Belfast after an Orange Order parade was re-routed on Saturday, were stunned by the plans.
Alban Magennis, a nationalist SDLP Assembly member for north Belfast, warned that it could lead to new trouble.
He said: “It’s the height of irresponsibility to bring large crowds on to the streets of Belfast in the present circumstances.
“It’s dangerous and can only lead to further community tensions in the build-up to this particular march.
“Police resources are bound to be put under further strain and this will create a climate of fear.”
The campaign has already sent out 200,000 copies of a free newspaper declaring “Ulster in Crisis” across Northern Ireland, with loyalist paramilitaries openly involved in the deliveries.
Angered by a military scale-back following the IRA’s declaration that its armed campaign is over, its new plan is to march from the Shankill Road scene of a deadly Provo bomb attack in October 1993.
A spokesman told the Belfast News Letter: “We know there will be an attempt to demonise us and condemn the campaign and the rally.
“But this will be a peaceful demonstration of the deep feelings of Protestant, unionist and loyalist people at this time. They have simply had enough.”
Tensions in the city are still high as police used water canons to drive back a mob attacking security lines with petrol bombs, bricks and bottles during fresh rioting in north Belfast last night.
And according to Mr Magennis the march can achieve nothing worthwhile.
He added: “It’s pure nihilism. It’s an aimless protest for protest’s sake.
“There’s no political objective on the horizon, and no political objective will be achieved.”
