Flag protests continue

THERE was widespread traffic disruption in Belfast last night as loyalist protests over a dispute about the Union flag continued.

Demonstrators blocked a number of routes at rush hour to voice their anger at last week’s decision to reduce the number of days that the flag flies over City Hall.

There were no reports of trouble at the pickets.

The demonstrations were held as the leaders of the two main unionist parties in Northern Ireland – the Democratic Unionists and Ulster Unionists – met loyalist representatives to discuss the ongoing situation.

Violence has flared at a number of demonstrations in Belfast and elsewhere in Northern Ireland during the past week-and-a-half.