Security alert ahead of parade
Saturday November 01 2008
A major security operation is planned in Belfast tomorrow amid fears of trouble at a British Armed Forces homecoming parade, writes David Young.
Despite moves yesterday by Sinn Fein protesters and the British Army to defuse tension surrounding the event, concerns remain about the potential for clashes between republican and loyalist extremists.
Sinn Fein supporters have decided to change the route of their protest march in order to avoid potential confrontation with loyalists entering the city centre from the north-west, and to distance themselves from an illegal demonstration being planned by dissident republicans.
However, with the renegade republicans still planning demonstrations at a number of locations, some where parade followers are likely to pass, the potential for unrest remains.
