Taoiseach ‘disgust’ at tricolour flown at Belfast protest

Taoiseach Simon Harris has expressed his disgust at “those flying the Irish tricolour whilst attacking police and spouting racism”.

Mr Harris spoke with Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill after violent scenes followed an anti-immigration protest in Belfast yesterday.

Protesters waving both the union flag and the tricolour took part in the protest at the front of Belfast City Hall.

There were also protesters in attendance from Coolock in north Dublin, which has been the scene of recent anti-immigration protests in the Republic of Ireland.

A statement from Mr Harris’s office said he had agreed to stay in contact with Ms O’Neill.

It said: “They discussed the violent scenes in Belfast last night and acknowledged the importance of the work between the gardai and PSNI to counter those who are trying to sow hate, racism and division in both jurisdictions on the island.

“The Taoiseach spoke of Belfast as a city and society that has spent decades working to reject hate, embrace peace, and build respect and inclusivity.

“The Taoiseach also expressed disgust at those flying the Irish tricolour whilst attacking police and spouting racism.

“This is repugnant to everything the Irish flag represents.”

There have been a series of anti-immigrant protests and incidents of related violence in the Republic of Ireland in recent months.