(ATR) London 2012’s torch relay suffers its first route diversion after a dissident protest in Ireland.
As millions of people in the UK gathered Monday in their local communities to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, republican protesters in Northern Ireland took the opportunity to make their presence known.
There were scuffles with police as the Olympic Flame was just about to go over the Peace Bridge in Londonderry. Just one man has been arrested, and there were no injuries or any significant damage.
Around 100 republican protesters took part, hiding behind the Guildhall in anticipation of the relay team’s arrival. The torch was then re-routed by about 100 yards.
Mark Durkan, former leader of the Socialist and Democratic Labour Party in Northern Ireland, said that there had been an agreement not to disrupt the relay with any protests.
"We support anyone's right to protest but that has been abused here today in Derry," he said.
"People are just absolutely disgusted that there will be negative headlines for the city coming out of a great afternoon."
It’s understood that security has now been severely tightened around the flame for the rest of its journey in the country.
For day 18 of the relay, the torch makes one of its longest trips, traveling from Derry-Londonderry to Newry. Tuesday's journey spans 146 miles with a total of 98 torchbearers scheduled for duty.
Then it's on to the Republic of Ireland, where the torch will spend around two hours in the city of Dublin on Wednesday morning – the first time an Olympic relay route has taken the flame outside of the host country as part of its domestic leg.
McCartney: "I’ve Been Booked"
Paul McCartney confirms his London Olympic participation.
The bassist for The Beatles told BBC 5 "I’ve been booked," adding that his role will be "closing the opening."
The opening ceremony is scheduled for July 27.
A full slate of performers for the spectacle is not yet known.
Reported by Christian Radnedge
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