3,000 people set for new 'Love Ulster' parade
A unionist umbrella group for victims of the Troubles plans to march 3,000 people through Dublin in a second attempt at a so-called "Love Ulster" rally, it was revealed today.
Even though a smaller parade last year was abandoned after riots broke out, organisers claimed Gardaí have given them commitments to provide the necessary security and protection.
Twenty-five bands, some of which take part in Orange Order demonstrations, are being lined up to join in the August event.
Organiser Willie Frazer, from the predominantly Protestant group Families Acting for Innocent Relatives (Fair), said Gardaí had no problem with the plan.
"As far as the parade goes, the guards are prepared to police it," he said. "Obviously there's a few concerns, they feel it's a bit raw in the minds of the people.
"It would mean them mounting a major operation if we are to march in Dublin but they are prepared to do it."
Mr Frazer insisted Gardaí had not put any restrictions on the planned parade.
No date has been set but organisers are aiming for a day in August which does not clash with other parades, music or sporting events.
Representatives of Fair met Assistant Garda Commissioner Alan McHugh, head of the Dublin Metropolitan Region, at his offices today.
Last year's attempted "Love Ulster" rally in Dublin descended into serious riots as marchers and six loyalist bands arrived in the city centre.
Eight busloads travelled from the north to the Irish capital bearing Red Hand of Ulster and Union flags and were met with hundreds of protesters as they made their way to O'Connell Street.
Republicans, counter-demonstrators and youths forced the rally's last-minute cancellation, hurling bricks, bottles and fireworks at gardaí.
Democratic Unionist Party MP Jeffrey Donaldson was one of those due to address supporters outside the Dáil after the march but they had to be escorted out of the capital by gardaí.
The day-long riots costs businesses in the city an estimated €10m.
Mr Frazer revealed there was a serious threat of a repeat of the violence but insisted that the safety of the public and businesses was of paramount concern.
He hinted that supporters may not want to hold the rally if it meant being flanked by riot police as they walked across the city.
"At the end of the day, do we want the ninjas walking beside us as we go down O'Connell Street," he said. "I don't think that's the image that we want to show."
Fringe group Republican Sinn Féin said it will protest at any unionist-led rally in Dublin.
Dublin Chamber of Commerce said it does not want the parade allowed in the city unless there are guarantees there will not be a repeat of last year's violence.
Fair plans to go back to its supporters and finalise details of the march within weeks.
"We are ready to roll," Mr Frazer added. "We could come down here next Saturday if we could get the buses booked. The ball is now in the court of politicians and gardaí.".
