Retailers' group urges flag-flying protest licence refusal

A group representing retailers is urging the Gardaí not to licence a protest march planned for Dublin this weekend over the flying of the union flag at Belfast city hall.

The group, called Families Acting for Innocent Relatives has said it will limit the protest to just three bus loads of people, with spokesman Willie Frazer saying he hopes the march through the city centre will be peaceful.

Sinn Féin TD Sean Crowe has called the planned loyalist march a "provocative publicity stunt" designed to ratchet up tension and trouble.

He called on people not to engage with or be provoked by the protestors.

Retail Excellence Ireland said that if the march goes ahead, it will have a devastating effect on trade.

Spokesman David Fitzsimons said: "It's not a normal protest where people might still come into town, but steer clear of (the protest)…Customers will not want to come into Dublin city this Saturday because of the threat of violence."