Black Mountain trouble over Queen sign

Published Tuesday, 26 June 2012

Trouble has broken out on Black Mountain in west Belfast where a sign opposing the Royal visit to Northern Ireland was erected earlier.

The DUP has criticised the sign. (© Pacemaker)

Police said one person has been injured and taken to hospital during the spontaneous disturbances which started at around 6pm on Tuesday.

The injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

The incident comes after the words 'ériu is our queen' were laid out in large white letters on the Belfast hillside with an Irish tricolour underneath.

A PSNI statement said: "Earlier today police confirmed that they were aware of various items having been erected on Black Mountain.

"There were no offences disclosed with the erection of these items but police are continuing to monitor the situation."

Disorder at the Broadway interface has since followed.

UTV understands police land rovers and officers in riot gear are at the scene close to the Park Centre, where crowds of more than 50 youths have been involved in throwing stones.

Police are responding to localised disorder in the Broadway area of Belfast and are asking motorists to avoid the area.
— PSNI (@policeserviceni) June 26, 2012

Local DUP MP Nigel Dodds had urged police to take down the Black Mountain message, which refers to a figure in Irish mythology.

He said: "The DUP has been in contact with the police in relation to this issue and asked them to investigate whether any offence has been committed and urged its removal.

"It is very unfortunate that a small group of republicans cannot respect the views of the vast majority of people in Northern Ireland but have deliberately attempted to provoke a reaction through erecting a large sign on Black Mountain."

TUV leader Jim Allister said his office also contacted the PSNI to ask them to "immediately remove the large sign."

"This is clearly conduct liable to cause a breach of the peace. I look forward to swift action from the police," he said.

The Queen arrived in Co Fermanagh earlier to begin her two-day visit to the region, marking her Diamond Jubilee.

Other minor opposition has included graffiti reading 'Stuff your Jubilee Lizzie' and a small demonstration at City Hall over the weekend.

Mr Dodds continued: "The packed streets which greeted the Queen upon her arrival in Enniskillen are representative of the affection and respect which people have for the Queen and the Royal Family.

"I would hope that people will not be distracted from this celebration by something, which whilst offensive, is a futile gesture highlighting nothing other than their own failure."

Comments

179 Comments

Mick Q in Belfast wrote (312 days ago):

When I refer to Brits, I mean the aristocracy and consecutive governments that established and then through indifference essentially enforced the 1 party state of NI. Be aware also that the main obstacle to the Republican movement is no longer Westminster but the convincing of a section of Unionism that a UI is a positive and beneficial step for them. I think it would be great if Unionism apologised for many decades of misrule. However I don’t see this happening. Ashamed of nothing offended by everything is an apt description.

Erky in Ballynahinch wrote (313 days ago):

Mick Q. Nothing wrong with having a cup of coffee in the pub, I do it all the time on holiday. In your previous 2 posts you made a number of references to Brits, I note with interest that you have not used this term in your latest post and wonder if we are actually making progress now. I am watching the news now and am waiting for 1 of our Republican politicians to come on and say that Londonderry in Northern Ireland will be a great city of culture. This will convince me that Britain is no longer despised by Republicans. I think that we are making progress as I now find that I agree with you and your statement of systematic discrimination. This is very evident, no more so than in our own government on the hill where a lot of British minded people have difficulty when applying for jobs.

Mick Q in Belfast wrote (314 days ago):

It’s funny cause I actually abstain from alcohol you’ll not find me in a pub. Show me where I used a derogatory term for British citizens. I said Northern Loyalists. What are you talking about “N.Is second city” for? I didn’t mention that. I’ve heard the one about collaboration with the third reich which is nonsense, in the first world war there was communications with germany but Nazism did not exist then, completely different time and context. The west ports of Ireland where used by the British to combat the U-boats. If Ireland did assist the Nazis do you really think Britain wouldn’t have reoccupied? They had a soft spot for that and couldn’t find a better excuse. I get along just fine with the 3 nations of GB I have relatives with each of them actually. I acquiesce to Ni’s existence given the means of its creation and also its means of maintaining itself as a one party state with systematic discrimination mixed in.

Erky in Ballynahinch wrote (315 days ago):

Mick Q. The auld lads are teaching you well. Perhaps Wilson listened to his advisors, it is very easy to engage mouth before brain. Remind me of how successful Wilson was as a PM, my old brain is probably confused and I'm sure that what I remember of this man is wrong. In my very limited experience of international trade I have imported goods from China. I know that both China and India are considered developing countries and they actually import very little in comparison to their exports except for some luxury goods. The Latin America market I must admit I know nothing about but I'm sure that the auld lads will make up a figure for you. I listen to and watch quite a lot of news from various channels and its good to hear that Britain is no longer despised. Perhaps you could now refer to British citizens in a different way and not use a term that has been used since the start of the troubles, I could use similar terms to describe people with your views but I wont offend people because of their religion or opinion, perhaps you could call our 2nd city by its correct name, perhaps you could call our country by its correct name, I'll help you because the auld lads wont, Londonderry and Northern Ireland. Britain, sorry I should say UK as NI is not actually part of GB is made up of 4 different nations, England , Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and we all manage to get along. Neo-nazi groups is a good one, have a look at the information that is available under the 30 year rule (not 100% sure that it is 30 years) regarding your aspirational Ireland and their relationship with the said country. I think that the U boats stopped for a pint of guiness. Get you down to the pub quick to see what the auld lads have to say.

Mark in Ireland wrote (317 days ago):

I think they should have written 'Boru is our king' and not a mythological character as it was just asking for abuse from unionists. Brian Boru was a famous Irish king of the 4 provinces.

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