10/08/2010

Ardoyne Parade Decision Sparks Criticism

Part of north Belfast is braced for controversy after the Parades Commission gave the go-ahead to allow an Apprentice Boys' parade to pass the previously troubled Ardoyne shops on Saturday.

It has been approved despite four days of concerted violence that followed last month's Twelfth celebrations when rioters were 'bussed-in' to undertake some of the worst rioting seen in recent years after the peaceful parade had passed.

Approval carried a caveat though as the controversial Shankill Star band - which carries a banner commemorating UVF gunman Brian Robinson - and its supporters are banned from going down the route alongside the marchers.

Robinson shot dead Ardoyne man Paddy McKenna on the Crumlin Road close to his Farringdon Court home in 1989.

Whilst welcoming the decision by the Parades Commission to ban the Shankill Star Flute Band, SDLP Oldpark Councillor Nichola Mallon said she was "bitterly disappointed" that the parade is going ahead in the absence of dialogue with the local community.

"I am bitterly disappointed that the Parades Commission has permitted this parade in light of the refusal on the part of its organisers to engage in genuine dialogue with local residents," she fumed.

Commenting on the decision, North Belfast Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly said: "The proposed parade this weekend should not be taking place, it is not welcome nor wanted by the residents of Ardoyne, Mountainview or the Dales.

"It is a feeder parade and will see those participating passing nationalist areas simply to get on a bus."

However, he said that it is welcome that the grossly offensive band that honours a UVF killer has been barred from taking part.

Urging a peaceful outcome, the said: "I would call on everyone to ensure that we do not see a repeat of the trouble which flared in the aftermath of the 12th July - the people of Ardoyne do not want this parade inflicted upon them, but neither do they want or deserve to see a repeat of last months violence."

The Apprentice Boys of Derry aims to commemorate the 1689 siege of Derry when Catholic James II of England and Ireland laid siege to the walled city, which was at the time a Protestant stronghold.

(BMcC/GK)

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