Commission Rules Against Return Ardoyne Parade

The Orange Order parade in north Belfast on Friday will not be allowed to March through Ardoyne on the return journey, following a ruling by the Parades Commission.

The Commission made its decision last night following a day of behind-the-scenes talks.

The Orange march through the predominantly nationalist area of north Belfast on 12 July is always contentious, often involving scenes of rioting and violence against police officers.

Last year, a loyalist flute band was filmed marching up and down beside the Catholic St Patrick's Church in the area, playing an anti-Catholic song about the Irish famine.

Talks held last week between the Orange Order and the Crumlin and Ardoyne Residents Association (CARA) were broadly welcomed among both communities, however no agreement was reached.

The Parades Commission has now said Orangemen can walk on the stretch of the Crumlin Road in the morning, but not in the evening.

Other restrictions have been placed on the march.

No music and drumbeats will be allowed between the junction of Crumlin Road and Hesketh Road and the junction of Woodvale Parade and Woodvale Road.

"Between these points there shall be no singing, chanting, whistling, humming or shouting," the Commission's report said.

It also said all flags must be furled, except for the union flag and the "Ulster banner".

On the outward morning route, no more than 100 supported will be allowed to accompany the parade.

The parade must disperse no later that 20:00.

Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly said: "I welcome this decision by the Parades Commission and believe it is a sensible one. It has created the space for talking to continue. The dialogue that began just a few days ago to find a resolution to the situation should recommence.

"That decision to begin the talks was a brave one by both the residents group CARA and the Orange Order. Both have agreed to resume the talks and that is to be welcomed.

"A peaceful 12th will give those talks a good foundation in which a local resolution can be found to this parading issue."

First Minister Peter Robinson described the decision as "deeply flawed".

"This wrong-headed approach will do little to build respect and tolerance for cultural diversity," he said.

"Many will interpret this as a reward for violence and intolerance in light of events in the area last year.

"The initiative taken by the local lodges in their recent engagement with residents was the right thing to do and was warmly welcomed throughout the community. Regrettably that progress has not been recognised.

"At this difficult time I would encourage people on all sides to use their influence to ensure a peaceful outcome. Once again it is clear that any truly lasting solution to parades will involve the abolition of the Parades Commission."

UUP Councillor Mark Cosgrove said the ruling "rewards bad behaviour".

"Last year's events at Ardoyne proved beyond any doubt that there was absolutely no connection whatsoever between the Orange Institution who complied fully with the restrictive determination to parade home at 16:00 and the subsequent mob rule that took to the streets in the name of protest several hours later.

"Those disgraceful events, including the attempted murder of police officers through fire arms and breeze blocks, have now, unbelievably, been rewarded by the banning of a legitimate parade that has passed peacefully along this main thoroughfare for generations."

(IT/CD)