Unionist politicians, Orangemen, victims of IRA violence and loyalist bands will parade and stage a rally in Dublin city centre on the last Saturday in February, according to William Frazer of the south Armagh Protestant victims' group Families Acting for Innocent Relatives (FAIR).
Mr Frazer said yesterday that his organisation had reached agreement with the Garda that the Love Ulster parade would take place in Dublin on February 25th. The route had yet to be agreed, but one possible route was from O'Connell Street to Leinster House, where unionist politicians and others would address the crowd.
Mr Frazer said he expected at least 1,000 Orangemen and loyalists, and possibly many more, to attend the parade, which would be headed by people injured or bereaved by republican paramilitary violence.
"We had at least 20 bands who wanted to play on the parade but we are restricting the number to six bands."
Mr Frazer said there would be no loyalist paramilitary displays during the parade, which is being organised by FAIR and Love Ulster, an organisation based in the Shankill in Belfast which in October staged a rally in Belfast attended by up to 5,000 people.
Love Ulster was established last year to campaign against what it says are moves to force the North into a united Ireland.
"The Union Jack and the Ulster flag will be flown at the parade, although members of the Orange Order will not be wearing their collarettes because they don't have permission from Grand Lodge to do so. Instead of Orange collarettes members will probably display Orange lilies. Members of [Ian Paisley's] Independent Orange Order will also be parading and they may wear collarettes," added Mr Frazer.
He said among those who would address the crowd, probably outside the Dáil, would be DUP Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson and Ulster Unionist Assembly member for Newry and Armagh Danny Kennedy.
FAIR has pledged that the parade will be peaceful and properly marshalled. "We have been liaising with the Garda and they have been very co-operative."
He did not expect any major protests against the parade.
"I don't think there will be a big lot of opposition. Sinn Féin certainly would have a cheek protesting given all their talk about equality and justice."
Mr Frazer said the Government and people in the Republic would hear unpalatable truths at the rally. Issues such as alleged Garda collusion with the IRA, alleged government connivance in the creation of the Provisional IRA, the republican threat to Protestant Border communities and "Dublin interference" in Northern affairs would be raised.
"We trust that while what we have to say may be difficult for the Dublin authorities, that they will accept and protect our right to say it. They must face up to these legitimate concerns and deal with victims and the wider community in Northern Ireland."
