Updated
Thursday, 3rd June 2021, 7:24 am
Loyalists take part in a peaceful protest in the Shore Road area of North Belfast. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
Flyers circulating on social media claim it is being organised by the ‘Mid Ulster Coalition’ of loyalists and unionists and will meet in the town centre at 3pm.
As with all such protests, the flyer slams the NI Protocol and what organisers describe as “two tier policing”.
A source close to the event told the News Letter: “Saturday is going to be a lot bigger than anything before, we expect 3000-4000.”
Organisers have not applied to the Parades Commission, meaning that it may be in breach of parading legislation.
Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 19th May 2021 Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
The project, which is being funded by the NI Rural Development ‘LEADER’ Programme (2014-20) and managed by ‘SOAR’ – the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Local Action Group (LAG) - will see a range of environmental improvements in the centre of the village, including new footpaths, street lighting, public seating and other street furniture.
Welcoming the proposed scheme, Minister Poots said: “I’m delighted to visit Waringstown to view the area which will benefit from this project. It has been designed following consultation with local residents and will provide an enhanced civic space at the Main Street/Mill Hill/Banbridge Road junction in the centre of the village. This is an excellent example of how my Department is working with Councils and local communities to improve the quality of life for rural residents.”
Submitting.
Edwin Poots pictured at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast as his election as leader of the DUP was eventually ratified. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye
The BBC reported that Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Nigel Dodds, Diane Dodds and Gavin Robinson all left the meeting before Mr Poots made his speech.
East Antrim MP Sammy Wilson, speaking on The View, played down any significant opposition to Mr Poots, but said he did not know why Mr Donaldson, Mr Dodds, Mrs Dodds and Mr Robinson left the meeting early.
Mr Wilson said: “It went on long because we’re a democratic party, we give people the opportunity to say what they want to say. Some of them say it sensibly, others say it a bit more sharper than others.
Michelle O Neill pulls out of meeting with Prince Charles The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall during a visit to Belfast City Hall in Donegall Square, Belfast. Picture date: Tuesday May 18, 2021. 19 May, 2021 08:41
The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall signing the visitor s book during a visit to Belfast City Hall in Donegall Square, Belfast. Picture date: Tuesday May 18, 2021.
Northern Ireland’s deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said that it was not possible for her to meet with the Prince of Wales at Hillsborough Castle during his two-day visit.
In her statement, it did not outline the reason. RTE News reported that it is thought the recent ruling in the Ballymurphy massacre inquest played a role in Michelle O’Neill’s decision, because of Prince Charles’s position as colonel in chief of the Army’s Parachute Regiment.