The riots in South Belfast seem to have attracted outsiders. A rumour started that some Dubliners got lost and ended up in the Lower Ormeau area. In any case the residents of that area, predominantly Catholics, were not going to let a mob through to trash their streets.
The PSNI were accused by some people of not doing enough to protect property and premises associated with foreigners, such as a shop that had a name that included the words Middle Eastern.
If I was to guess the police’s strategy, I would say they got it about right. The rioting was contained and very few injuries were reported. For the Muslim residents and shopkeepers that is little comfort.
Racism has been the hallmark of far right groups. Northern Ireland is no exception. The worrying aspect of the recent riots is that some people may have joined in without knowing why they were doing so.
odespinner 