In an unlikely alliance on the streets of Belfast, crowds of people carrying Union flags and tricolours stood side by side with anti-immigrant protesters from Dublin.
The “astonishing” scenes unfolded at the gates of City Hall on Saturday as the usually opposing sides came together in their opposition to an anti-racism rally.
The anti-immigration protesters were separated from the anti-racism rally participants by police. Some chanted “Islam out”, with clashes later breaking out in parts of Belfast.
But at numerous occasions during the anti-Islamic protest, Union flags were unfurled beside individuals carrying tricolours and the four provinces flags.
A delegation from Coolock, the scene of recent anti-immigrant protests in Dublin, also arrived and a ‘Coolock says no’ banner was displayed.
Coolock was the scene of anti-immigration protests last month, which turned violent and led to the arrest of 19 people.
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The anti-immigration protest in Belfast comes amid violent disorder in several parts of England in recent days after three young children were stabbed to death in Southport.
Irish News columnist Brian Feeney said it was a “unique occasion” to see so many usually rival groups gathered together.
“It was astonishing,” he said.
“The group had come up from Dublin, obviously social media had attracted them and here they were on the streets of Belfast with those carrying tricolours and Union flags.
“It was amazing to see, these people had come up from Dublin for the purpose of the anti-Islamic demonstration.
“It’s a unique occasion, it’s the first time its ever happened.
“They are usually getting stuck into each other, but here they were waving their flags, which were rival flags - it was astonishing to see it.”
But Mr Feeney added that it was “dreadful” that the main purpose of their collective gathered was “hate-filled” actions.
“It is depressing that the only thing they can co-operate on is hate-filled racist demonstrations,” he said.
“If they could co-operate on something more constructive and beneficial.
“It’s dreadful.”
