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Ulster Loyalism, Flag Protests & the failure of zero sum politics

category national | crime and justice | other press author Sunday January 13, 2013 18:39author by SM

The continuing opposition by loyalists to the decision by Belfast city council to limit the flying of the Union Jack (bringing it into line with other council chambers) is a product of a deeply sectarian colonial settlement that smothers the importance of class.
pacemaker_east_belfast_flag_protest_04.jpg

The disturbances were pretty predicable in the context of summer riots over parading, intra-unionist rivalry and rising anger in traditional protestant working-class communities over shortage of jobs, housing and perceived gains made by the ‘nationalist’ community. The mass inflammatory leafleting by unionist parties in the days leading up to the council vote served to heighten fears in a constituency which is easily inflamed and mobilised in defence of the realm.....

Full report at link below

Related Link: http://www.anarkismo.net/article/24649

Comments (2 of 2)

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author by Barrypublication date Wed Jan 16, 2013 13:46author address author phone

Sean,
in your article on the wsm website "anarchists not to blame for flag riots in newtownabbey" as much as you would like them to be talking about your party they arent, they are throwing about the word anarchist because it doesnt mean a whole lot to them.

you say

" I was completely stunned to read claims by a loyalist spokesperson linking 'anarchists' to recent disorder in Newtownabbey, from someone who clearly has no understanding of what anarchism stands for. Instead of engaging in anti-anarchist scaremongering he should go and get his facts right and stop pandering to sectarianism."

They are not trying 'link anarchists' to anything, they are using the word to imply lawlessness and a chaotic situation, Most people dont know who the WSM are sean because you are irrelevant.

Unfortunetly for you and your party thats the reality. claiming to be stunned is just silly, and it looks like your trying to get a bit of attention for the wsm when really it has nothing to do with this situation.

Adopt 'a postion' on it by all means, as the wsm often does, but trying to twist things to make it look like loyalists would even make mention of your 'movement' is laughable.

Related Link: http://www.wsm.ie/c/anarchist-flag-riots-newtownabbey-letter
author by Englishman.publication date Wed Jan 16, 2013 14:47author address author phone

A bit sad that working class east Belfast people lick the arse of English aristocrats.

Kate Middleton wouldn't be seen dead with Belfast royalists.

Prince Charles would hold his nose in their presence.


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