Dublin Riots

[Drisgirl]

I've read the reports and the supposed reasoning behind this 'peaceful demonstration'.Tell that to ordinary people who were caught up in it.

This was never going to be a peaceful demo - why else seek out cars to petrol bomb.We all just happen to walk about with molotov cocktails in our hipper!

We across the water are led to believe peace has broken out in the North - that is bull.There is a news blackout about what still goes on - at whose behest?

We are having the wool pulled over our eyes - does anyone really think there will ever be peace?

Please remember that the riots were as a result of Republicans organising this,and coming from every corner of NI.

I realise this is contentious and my purpose is not to open old sores - but we have a right to know whats going on so we can be vigilant again.

[bill barlow]

We have the wool pulled over our eyes about everything. You are right, but we will never be told the truth. Divide and rule springs to mind.

[surfer mike]

Sectarianism will never be fully extinguished, theres too many hate filled fanatics on both sides of that particular divide for that to happen, very much like the arab/jew age old hatreds, but lets be positive for a change [hard i know on here anyway] Its a darn site better over that side of the water than it used to be.i know this because i have friends and relatives of both traditions who live there who tell me how things have improved in many areas for the better.

Sadly there are local gangsters who use the politics of hate and division to further their drug running and protection rackets..

[noxlumos]

Things are a million percent better in the north than they were, but of course you're right you don't hear about half of the things that go on over there but then you never really did. People were being killed, abducted, assaulted, extorted, left right and centre and there was never a word about it in the British press unless the IRA were involved, because it suits the British Govt to keep you all in the dark, lest it become apparent that there really are two equally viscious sides to this conflict. I believe the majority of the British people are very fair minded and as such deserve to know what is happening and the way both sides behave. This "Love Ulster" march was frankly always contensious and going to be a bloodbath one way or the other because feelings on both sides run high and there are more people than some would care to acknowledge on both sides that really don't want peace because peace for them will not be profitable.I come from West Belfast and have grown up with this and although for sure this is not a step in the right direction, things are still better than they ever have been and I don't really think you need to be vigilant about anything, those days are long gone when there would be any trouble on the mainland.

[Elfin]

I don't think many people on the mainland actually care about the situation any more. I think both sides are viewed as serial malcontents. Marches and demos should not be allowed there by any political or religious groups, full stop.

[Whickerman]

The 'Love Ulster' parade was seen by most as an excuse to get Orangemen marching past the GPO - a symbol of Irish freedom (it was where the 1916 rising peaked).

That said, the march was sanctioned by the authorities. But even SinnFein told their supporters to just ignore it. Some extremists in Republican Sinn Fein (a different party) turned up, and their counter demo turned nasty. Then several hundred thugs joined in - they were only there for the looting. A point - of the 13 who appeared in court the first night, 3 were latvian/lithuanian. Hardly core republicans...

This was a public order melee, nothing political.

[Whickerman]

I've just reread my previous post - I should make it clear that for the 99.99999% of the population that are decent honest people, Saturday's actions were sickening, horrible, and despicable. The police should have baton charged the lot of 'em, but i suspect that if they had, the headlines would be very different

[WaldoMcFroog]

I'm astonished and appalled to discover that Christians could behave in such a way. I was led to believe from reading this site that the only people capable of such actions were Muslims. Are you saying that such wanton stupidity isn't exclusive to them? Still, it's good to know that 99.99% of the population want nothing to do with such behaviour and that a few a-holes don't tarnish the reputations of everyone else...

[Drisgirl]

nox - Not wanting at all to take anything away as you grew up and witnessed it-but just to reinforce what you said- - my husband was based in Ballymena for a few years and I went across and couldnt believe the things I heard on a daily basis on the radio and tv.Also the experience I had in a pub - you can guess - friendlt interrogation - intimidating but you had to sit it out as the eagle eyes were watching for your reaction.Thankfully they played Flower of Scotland for me so I must have passed!.He now works in the south but shares digs with 3 men from the North and things are undoubtedly so much better

Why did those pr***s/dissidents then go and highlight it with this after all the inroads made.

I loved the North BTW - was ready to move permanently until he was moved south - and apart from the once over in the pub I never felt threatened - great people.

[Drisgirl]

Notice there was a bit of bother in Portadown which resulted in alleged injury to the Police.

I was hoping there wasnt going to be a backlash but it looks like there is going to be.Hopefully the leaders of the opposing factions can calm what potentially could be potential flashpoints.

I dont feel this will come across the water but I suspect there may be in fighting.

Although as I have said before and nox agreed (well he lives there so knows a million times more than I will ever know) we will never know on the mainland.

I just hope it doesnt degenorate into a sorry situation.

[El D]

Surely we should be expecting a 'not in my name' march then or they are all guilty?

[F1fan]

Speaking as someone from Dublin,I was disgusted at the way the peaceful republican protest( Just Republican sympathisers holding placards) was completely overshadowed by thugs and criminals,who probably couldn't spell Ulster,nevermind have an opinion on it. My heart went out to the police who had to deal with it,and to the genuine Republicans who just wished to make their objections known.
I personally would have no objection to the Unionists having a 'Love Ulster' rally,and think that for the majority of people in the Republic,times have moved on enough for us to recognise the rights of everyone.
The prevention of the rally by scum like that was nothing political,if they hadn't been doing that they would've been out in their chavvy tracksuits shoplifting from Boots.