Coleraine: Hundreds take part in rally on 'immigration concerns'

Hundreds of people have taken part in a rally in Coleraine, County Londonderry, addressing "immigration concerns and protecting women and children". The group called 'Our Northern Ireland Voice' gathered in the Diamond area of the town on Saturday holding flags and banners. According to their Facebook page they are a "community dedicated to protecting, preserving, and celebrating the culture, traditions, and heritage that make Northern Ireland unique". In social media posts advertising the event, the group stipulated "all welcome. No foreign flags". Previous video posts by the group also referred to ongoing concerns some local people have about houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in Coleraine. The legal definition of a HMO is a property lived in by three or more people from three or more separate households who share facilities like a kitchen. A small counter protest organised by 'Causeway Trade Union Council' also gathered in the same area in opposition to the rally. They held flags, banners and played music. NIPSA Northern Ireland Deputy General Secretary, Patrick Mulholland, was part of the counter protest which he said was aimed at sending a message for "unity of the ordinary