Royal visit ‘peaceful protest’ call

Sinn FEIN has called for any protests over the state visit of Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh to Ireland to be peaceful as they are an “elderly couple”.

The party said people have a right to take to the streets but should not cast a slur on republicanism by causing trouble.

Deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald called for demonstrations during the May visit to be democratic, peaceful and respectful.

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“This isn’t personal. I am conscious of the fact that it’s an elderly couple visiting the country,” Ms McDonald said.

“On a human level of course nobody wishes to be unnecessarily confrontational for the sake of it.”