Northern Ireland

Loyalists may hold 'mass' protocol protest in Dublin

Prominent loyalist Jamie Bryson says it may be necessary to take a Northern Ireland Protocol protest to Dublin
Prominent loyalist Jamie Bryson says it may be necessary to take a Northern Ireland Protocol protest to Dublin Prominent loyalist Jamie Bryson says it may be necessary to take a Northern Ireland Protocol protest to Dublin

LOYALISTS have warned it may be necessary to stage a "mass" protest opposing the Northern Ireland Protocol in Dublin next month.

Prominent campaigner Jamie Bryson last night said that, while discussions he is privy to are centred on peaceful protest, "different conversations" he is unaware of may be taking place.

Previous loyalist protests in Dublin have ended in violence.

In 2006 a ‘Love Ulster’ rally through the city was abandoned after rioting broke out following clashes between republican protesters and the gardaí, leading to 14 arrests and 41 injuries.

That event was organised by south Armagh loyalist Willie Frazer, who has since died.

In recent months multiple protests have been organised to highlight loyalist opposition to the protocol and claims of two-tier policing.

Many of the protests involving bands have not been notified to the Parades Commission, which is required under the law.

Last week an estimated 3,000-strong crowd took part in a large protest in the Shankill Road area of west Belfast.

Days earlier around 800 people attended a parade and rally in Portadown, Co Armagh, while hundreds have turned out for smaller events in other areas in recent weeks.

While recent protests have been peaceful serious loyalist violence erupted across the north earlier this year.

Mr Bryson last night said loyalists believe their concerns over the protocol are not being heard.

“The EU clearly aren’t listening, and I suppose one way to make them listen is to bring the anger around the NI Protocol to Dublin in mass numbers," he said.

"Given the Irish government believe they have the right to impose upon our country an economic united Ireland, I think that once the annual 12th July celebrations conclude then it probably will be necessary to exercise the right to peaceful protest in Dublin in large numbers."

Mr Bryson, who has spoken at several recent protest events, said a message will be sent to the Irish government.

“Maybe that will make the Irish government realise that if they are intent on imposing instability within Northern Ireland, then instability will be brought to their country via peaceful protests," he said.

The prominent loyalist added that "any discussions I’ve been privy to have quite rightly focused solely on peaceful protest.

"However, unbeknown to me there might well be others having different conversations I am not aware of, I can only speak to that which is within my own personal knowledge," he said.

"There’s a lot of anger and this really is seen as the biggest threat to the union since the formation of Northern Ireland, so there obviously is the lingering concern that some people may unfortunately conclude that politics has failed and step into that vacuum.

"That’s why it is so imperative that this protocol is removed to protect peace.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs was contacted for a response.

A Garda spokesman said: "An Garda Síochána does not provide comment on third party statements."

Meanwhile, a series of anti-protocol parades and a rally will take place in Newtownards, Co Down, on Friday night.

Four separate processions are due to take place from the West Winds, Bowtown, Glen and Scrabo estates before making their way to Newtownards square.

Mr Bryson said: "I am expecting large numbers and high profile speakers will be announced during the week and that protest, I believe, will send a very clear message to Dublin from the platform as well."