éirígí representatives yesterday met with management at Sainsbury's and Asda in an attempt to resolve the ongoing dispute over the stocking of Israeli goods. However, after management refused to guarantee that Israeli produce will be removed, the socialist republican party has announced further protests at the west Belfast stores of the two multinational companies.

As local councils begin to strike rates for businesses, the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association has urged them to show restraint and to avoid excessive hikes on small businesses and retailers.