A man claiming to be a former UVF member addressed an anti-immigration rally in central Dublin, highlighting growing links between loyalist figures in Northern Ireland and far-right groups in the Republic.
Mark Sinclai, from the Shankill area of Belfast, spoke outside the General Post Office (GPO) on O’Connell Street during a protest organised under the slogan “Dissolve the Dáil”.
The demonstration, which later moved to Leinster House, saw around 150 participants block the Kildare Street entrance, prompting additional Garda deployment to manage the disruption, the Irish Times reported.
Sinclair, who has previously described himself as a UVF loyalist and claimed ties to British intelligence, told the crowd: “I’m not here as a loyalist or a Protestant. I’m here as a citizen journalist and a father of a seven-month-old daughter. I’m just here to support you guys.”
He criticised what he described as “open borders”, warning that the Northern Border was not secure and claiming people could “easily” cross between the Republic and the North.
Sinclair’s involvement at the protest reflects what analysts say is an increasingly visible partnership between hardline loyalists in Northern Ireland and far-right agitators in the Republic.
His background has generated controversy. Sinclair has previously claimed he was paid by British security services to gather intelligence on loyalist groups and is a cousin of Billy Moore, a known member of the notorious UVF-linked Shankill Butchers gang.
Tuesday’s protest was led by Kerry-based Michelle Keane, a businesswoman and unsuccessful general election candidate, who has previously made unsubstantiated claims of electoral fraud.
Addressing the rally, Keane described the event as “a day of unity between nationalists and loyalists”, insisting that the land border must be closed and calling for the immediate dissolution of the Dáil.
The stated aim of the protesters was to gain access to the Dáil chamber to “restore power to the people”, although no such entry was achieved before the demonstration dispersed after two hours.
Protesters were heard shouting “traitors” and “collaborators” at civil servants and visitors entering or exiting Leinster House, while some repeated anti-immigration slogans.
Keane, known for wearing “Make Ireland Great Again” merchandise, had travelled to Bangor, Co Down, two weeks earlier to meet Sinclair at a loyalist bonfire in preparation for the 12th of July.
Sinclair has become a frequent face at similar demonstrations, including a large anti-immigration rally in Dublin city centre in April that drew attention due to its promotion by former MMA star Conor McGregor.
That event was organised by Dublin councillor Malachy Steenson and also addressed by Cllr Gavin Pepper. Sinclair later attended an anti-immigration protest in Limerick.
However, his presence at Tuesday’s Dublin rally drew criticism from Cllr Pepper, who publicly distanced himself from future events over Sinclair’s involvement.
“Following the platforming of loyalist death squad informer and Shankill Butcher affiliate Mark Sinclair and the acrid fallout from the same, I’ll not be participating in future city centre rallies,” Pepper wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
He added that he would continue “local protests and local rallies outside of city centres”, but that the events in Dublin had crossed a line.
The Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), a counter-extremism think tank, recently published a report warning of a “significant shift in the political landscape” due to cooperation between far-right networks in the Republic and loyalist elements in the North.
The ISD report cited examples of cross-border activity, including members of Dublin’s “Coolock Says No” group appearing alongside loyalist militants during serious unrest in Belfast last August.
It also pointed to a YouTube discussion between Sinclair and far-right Donegal election candidate Niall McConnell, which took place amid heightened tensions in Ballymena over immigration.
Sinclair’s criminal past has also resurfaced in recent media coverage. In 2003, he was sentenced to 18 years in prison in Scotland for a string of bank robberies.
During his trial, Sinclair claimed to have been working undercover for British intelligence, providing information on Ulster Defence Association (UDA) members while based in East Ayrshire.
He alleged he was paid £3,000 for each meeting with his handlers, amassing around £50,000 in payments over a number of years.
According to his testimony, his surveillance work included gathering intelligence on individuals in the village of Drongan and monitoring a loyalist flute band in nearby Ayr.
His participation in the Republic of Ireland rallies has sparked debate about the tactics and alliances of the growing far-right movement, particularly as disinformation and anti-immigrant sentiment escalate across the country.
Editing by M10News Politics Desk | Contact: info@m10news.com
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