Demonstrations costing ‘millions’, says trade body

A joint appeal was made by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister for an end to the protests as the dispute over the Union flag enters a third week.

“These protests have cost the local economy millions of pounds and have put immense pressure on already struggling local retail and hospitality sectors this Christmas. We would urge the protestors to listen to the joint call from the First and Deputy First Ministers to end the protests and to go into dialogue to resolve this situation,” said NIIRTA Chief Executive Glyn Roberts.

“Our local economy cannot afford to have roads blocked and town and city centres disrupted in what is the most important trading time of the year. In this last week before Christmas, we urge the community to rally round and support local traders and not to be put off shopping in local town and city centres. Your local traders need you at this time and it is quite simply the case that if you don’t use them, you will lose them.”