UK
Police hurt as parade sparks Dublin riots
SEVERAL police officers were injured yesterday as rioting erupted in central Dublin over a disputed unionist parade.
Hundreds of Republican demonstrators opposed to a Love Ulster rally involving Orangemen and relatives of IRA murder victims fought running battles with gardai.
Security lines were attacked with fireworks, rocks, bottles and metal barricades. At least four officers and a journalist were injured.
Cars were also set alight close to Leinster House, the Irish Parliament Buildings, amid heightening violence.
All shops in one of the city's main retail districts closed their doors as the trouble worsened and the parade through Dublin city centre was cancelled.
Up to 1,000 Unionists and campaigners who had travelled across the border to accuse the Irish authorities of providing a haven for terrorists during the Troubles were instead put on buses and driven to Leinster House where a short parade was held.
Meanwhile, a line of about 40 riot police blocked the entrance to O'Connell Street as hundreds of youths pelted them with rocks, bottles and sticks. The officers slowly moved in to disperse the rioting crowds.
Rubble and barricades from construction work on O'Connell Street were set on fire as riot police forced the crowd further into the city centre.
Republican slogans were chanted and around 20 protesters attempted to hold a sit-down protest in the middle of the street.
Gardai quickly moved in and prevented the youths from blocking the road.
At the front of the General Post Office, the headquarters of the 1916 Easter Rising, rioters charged police and fought hand-to-hand battles with around 100 officers.
Mounted police were also drafted in to prevent more protesters joining.
A stand-off between protesters and police ensued for about five to 15 minutes as officers attempted to disperse the crowds down side streets.
One fire engine called in to extinguish a blaze started by the demonstrators, was attacked as it made its way through the crowd.
Two gardai vans carrying dozens of extra officers were also pelted with rocks and bottles.
The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, condemned those involved in the violence.
He said: "There is absolutely no excuse for the disgraceful scenes in Dublin today.
"It is the essence of Irish democracy and republicanism that people are allowed express their views freely and in a peaceful manner."
Related topic
- Northern Ireland
http://news.scotsman.com/topics.cfm?tid=150
This article: http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/uk.cfm?id=297232006
Last updated: 27-Feb-06 12:13 GMT
Northern Ireland
- Most police complaints 'by Protestants' (14-Feb-06)
- Bloody Sunday lawyers get £86m from taxpayer (09-Feb-06)
- Paisley attacks Republican crime (04-Feb-06)
- Tripod the dog is demobbed (03-Feb-06)
- Row over IRA criminal activities blocks path to devolution (02-Feb-06)
UK: page 1
- Falkland fear as Argentina steps up show of strength
- Jabs for poultry workers as bird flu fears grow
- Breakthrough 'piggy-back' heart saves life of baby girl
- Two more arrested in Securitas heist inquiry
- British No 1 Murray is tipped to be smash hit
- Only 11% trust finance industry over pensions
- Tory right take aim at 'Notting Hill Set'
- Jowell embroiled in financial scandal
- Police hurt as parade sparks Dublin riots
- Father who shot daughter starves himself to death
- Prince in royal row for joining Tory youth plan
- Marchers back animal research lab
- Soldiers face barracks smoking ban
- Alexander attacks devolution 'turf war'
- Baby in 'stable condition'
VIDEO ON DEMAND

Take a tour of Edinburgh's narrow Closes: the first video podcast at scotsman.com
heritage.scotsman.comFANTASY GOLF

Win fantastic prizes including a golf holiday in Barbados with Scotland's Fantasy Golf
Register by 6 March 2006GLASGOW QUIZ - DAY 5

Here's your final chance to play 'Glasgow: The Ultimate Quiz' - try and win a prize
heritage.scotsman.com