Flag protest in Dublin to be postponed

Loyalists look set to delay plans to stage a rally in Dublin in protest at the lowering of the union flag above Belfast City Hall.

Organisers claimed gardaí wanted more time to make security arrangements for the demonstration, which was due to take place on Saturday outside the Dáil.

Although there was no announcement of a definite decision, Willie Frazer of the Ulster People’s Forum — whose supporters have been heavily involved in the unrest and disruption in Belfast in recent weeks — said: “The gardaí want to facilitate this protest and we are prepared to work with them. But they said they need more time.”