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| Version 4 | Version 5 |
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| Belfast business leaders hold summit over union flag protests | Belfast business leaders hold summit over union flag protests |
| (4 months later) | |
| Belfast business leaders are holding an emergency summit to discuss the mulitmillion-pound blow to trade caused by the continuing union flag dispute. | Belfast business leaders are holding an emergency summit to discuss the mulitmillion-pound blow to trade caused by the continuing union flag dispute. |
| The Confederation of British Industry estimates £15m in trade has been lost in Belfast since the outbreak of demonstrations over the city council's decision to limit the number of days the flag flies atop city hall. | The Confederation of British Industry estimates £15m in trade has been lost in Belfast since the outbreak of demonstrations over the city council's decision to limit the number of days the flag flies atop city hall. |
| Pre-Christmas business and the new year sales were badly affected by protests, roadblocks and in some cases rioting by loyalists. Many customers as well as tourists have been avoiding the city centre in case they are caught up in the disorder. | Pre-Christmas business and the new year sales were badly affected by protests, roadblocks and in some cases rioting by loyalists. Many customers as well as tourists have been avoiding the city centre in case they are caught up in the disorder. |
| Joe Jordan, president of the Belfast chamber of trade and commerce, said: "There is no doubt that the past two months have been incredibly difficult for traders in Belfast. We want to hear the first-hand experience of businesses, along with their views and opinions on the current crisis." | Joe Jordan, president of the Belfast chamber of trade and commerce, said: "There is no doubt that the past two months have been incredibly difficult for traders in Belfast. We want to hear the first-hand experience of businesses, along with their views and opinions on the current crisis." |
| Northern Ireland's first minister, Peter Robinson, and his deputy, Martin McGuinness, were due to hold talks with the British and Irish governments this week to discuss the protests. The crisis will be discussed in the Stormont assembly on Monday. | Northern Ireland's first minister, Peter Robinson, and his deputy, Martin McGuinness, were due to hold talks with the British and Irish governments this week to discuss the protests. The crisis will be discussed in the Stormont assembly on Monday. |
| Twenty-nine police officers were injured on Saturday evening after sectarian clashes broke out as loyalists were returning to east Belfast from the now almost weekly rally at city hall. | Twenty-nine police officers were injured on Saturday evening after sectarian clashes broke out as loyalists were returning to east Belfast from the now almost weekly rally at city hall. |
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