NORTHERN IRELAND: PROTESTANTS STAND OFF WITH ARMY AND POLICE

(8 Jul 1996) English/Nat
Protestant protesters determined to march through a Catholic enclave in Northern Ireland stoned riot police who barred their way Monday in a second day of violence.
Police also fired plastic bullets at demonstrators as they tried to cut through barbed wire barriers at Drumcree church near Portadown, 25 miles southwest of Belfast.
Leaders of the Orange Order, Northern Ireland's most influential Protestant group, vowed to hold their ground for days if necessary to win the battle of wills.
Day 2 of the stand off at Drumcree in Portadown , Northern Ireland.
The two-thousand police officers and five British army battalions brought in to guard the area are now preparing for the worst.
Hundreds more supporters of the Protestant Orange Order are expected for a further demonstration at Drumcree church this evening as what was largely a peaceful gathering takes on more sinister overtones.
There have been several outbreaks of violence with cars and lorries burned and petrol bombs and rocks thrown at security forces. Firemen were being turned away by police when they arrived to put out the flames, because police feared they would be attacked.
Streets around Portadown have been blockaded by Orangemen and their supporters in what authorities believe could an attempt to widen the protest throughout Northern Ireland.
Orangemen march each July and August to commemorate 17th-century victories by the Protestant King William of Orange over the deposed Catholic King James II.
Their aim is to completely paralyse Northern Ireland by the weekend, if security forces do not allow the Orangemen to parade along Garvaghy Road, which runs through a Catholic neighbourhood in Dumcree.
There's absolutely no change in the determination of people here. Indeed if anything the degree of support, the quantity of support that was apparent last night has encouraged them.
SUPER CAPTION: David Trimble, leader protestant Ulster Unionist Party.
This stretch of road lies at the heart of the confrontation. Residents are reluctant to speak out about the situation but they say they feel intimidated by the Protestant crowds.
People can't even get in or out with the roads all blocked, it's terrible. All they have to do is walk the way they came.
SUPER CAPTION: Philip Mcatomley, Garvaghy Rd resident.
Army helicopters have been ferrying fresh troops to the scene in preparation for a longer stay.
These soldiers were catching a few hours rest after last night's confrontation.
With more trouble expected this evening they are making the most of the lull.
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[@liammellows-hz3pf]

It would soon change if the boyne happened in the middle of winter..12th of july fuck that,change it to the 1st of January when it's bitter cold.

[@zebrahead32]

Let's light a lorry,that will show em

[@jasbarsoph]

And members of the orange order are right there watching as that lorry gets fire bombed, Peaceful people!!!!!

[@donaldstewart9827]

Unemployed and unemployable.

[@lfcspectre4335]

Who sets up picnic at graveyard? oh yeah OO looney bins

[@Jim54_]

How Protestants and Catholics, two groups of people who worship the same god, same Jesus and use the same bible, don’t get on, just baffles the mind

[@craigrobertson2193]

The bible they use varies even in different protestant septs slightly

[@mo-xt3ql]

If they want to fly an English flag ...go and live in Scotland with the rest of the confused ....

[@mo-xt3ql]

The English ,Irish . Why don't they go an live in Scotland

[@spazzymacgee5648]

The self hating Irish is what us Irish people call them.

[@gerryguinn3175]

Some good LOYALIST in portadown PITY WINKY REA AND COMPANY SOLD OUT FOR MONEY SEEN HIM LATLEY KARMA

[@chrisroger8774]

God I Think ITS time for Orange parades to Revisited Gravgh Rd