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16/07/2013
Assembly Recalled Over Riots
MLAs are currently discussing the issue of parading during the 12 July in a special debate at the Northern Ireland Assembly.
The DUP and other unionists were angered by a Parades Commission ruling that meant the Orange Order could only march through a predominantly Catholic area of north Belfast once last Friday, 12 July.
A blocking of the route by police on the return journey resulted in fierce rioting and violence which has continued for four consecutive nights.
The DUP described the Parades Commission ruling as rewarding dissident republican violence and has since called for the body to be replaced by an alternative group.
First Minister Peter Robinson also condemned the rioters and said anyone who attacks a police officer should end up in prison.
But Alliance Chief Whip Stewart Dickson said the DUP and UUP are "refusing to support the rule of law" by criticising the Parades Commission.
"Communities have suffered four nights of trouble which has seriously harmed community relations, damaged Northern Ireland’s international image and resulted in a large number of police officers being injured," he said.
"By opposing the lawful determinations of the Parades Commission, the DUP and UUP are refusing to show their full support for the rule of law and the PSNI.
"We need all political parties to show leadership and help calm the tensions that are running high. By using provocative language that attempts to direct blame towards the Parades Commission, the DUP and UUP are fuelling the protests which have led to trouble that we have witnessed in recent days."
(IT/CD)
The DUP and other unionists were angered by a Parades Commission ruling that meant the Orange Order could only march through a predominantly Catholic area of north Belfast once last Friday, 12 July.
A blocking of the route by police on the return journey resulted in fierce rioting and violence which has continued for four consecutive nights.
The DUP described the Parades Commission ruling as rewarding dissident republican violence and has since called for the body to be replaced by an alternative group.
First Minister Peter Robinson also condemned the rioters and said anyone who attacks a police officer should end up in prison.
But Alliance Chief Whip Stewart Dickson said the DUP and UUP are "refusing to support the rule of law" by criticising the Parades Commission.
"Communities have suffered four nights of trouble which has seriously harmed community relations, damaged Northern Ireland’s international image and resulted in a large number of police officers being injured," he said.
"By opposing the lawful determinations of the Parades Commission, the DUP and UUP are refusing to show their full support for the rule of law and the PSNI.
"We need all political parties to show leadership and help calm the tensions that are running high. By using provocative language that attempts to direct blame towards the Parades Commission, the DUP and UUP are fuelling the protests which have led to trouble that we have witnessed in recent days."
(IT/CD)
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10 July 2013
Party Leaders Call For Peaceful 12th
The leaders of Northern Ireland's five main political parties have called for a peaceful parading season ahead of Friday. The statement was made following a meeting between the party leaders and PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott.
Party Leaders Call For Peaceful 12th
The leaders of Northern Ireland's five main political parties have called for a peaceful parading season ahead of Friday. The statement was made following a meeting between the party leaders and PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott.
20 April 2012
New Initiative Launched To Resolve Parading Disputes
Former speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Lord John Alderdice, has been asked to take on an initiative by the Parades Commission to resolve parading disputes in Ardoyne, north Belfast. Fr Gary Donegan and Rev Norman Hamilton will also take part in the new initiative.
New Initiative Launched To Resolve Parading Disputes
Former speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Lord John Alderdice, has been asked to take on an initiative by the Parades Commission to resolve parading disputes in Ardoyne, north Belfast. Fr Gary Donegan and Rev Norman Hamilton will also take part in the new initiative.
10 July 2014
Calls For Parade Inquiry
Unionist leaders have called for a legal inquiry into an ongoing issue surrounding parading in north Belfast. The move follows a Parades Commission ruling that an Orange Order parade would not be allowed to march through a predominantly nationalist area of north Belfast twice on 12 July.
Calls For Parade Inquiry
Unionist leaders have called for a legal inquiry into an ongoing issue surrounding parading in north Belfast. The move follows a Parades Commission ruling that an Orange Order parade would not be allowed to march through a predominantly nationalist area of north Belfast twice on 12 July.
16 June 2015
Orange Order Discusses Changes To Parading Legislation
The Orange Order has met with the Secretary of State to discuss the current parading legislation. Theresa Villiers MP was presented with a formal request urging her to personally intervene and commence a process to replace the current parading legislation, with an emphasis on "fair and equitable" regulations for all communities.
Orange Order Discusses Changes To Parading Legislation
The Orange Order has met with the Secretary of State to discuss the current parading legislation. Theresa Villiers MP was presented with a formal request urging her to personally intervene and commence a process to replace the current parading legislation, with an emphasis on "fair and equitable" regulations for all communities.
20 September 2013
Dodds Slams Parades Commission Ruling
North Belfast DUP MP Nigel Dodds has slammed the Parades Commission ruling prohibiting the playing of music on part of Twaddell Avenue. Mr Dodds said: "This is a another ridiculous decision by this discredited Parades Commission. "The evening parades from Woodvale Road to Twaddell Avenue take place in an entirely Unionist area.
Dodds Slams Parades Commission Ruling
North Belfast DUP MP Nigel Dodds has slammed the Parades Commission ruling prohibiting the playing of music on part of Twaddell Avenue. Mr Dodds said: "This is a another ridiculous decision by this discredited Parades Commission. "The evening parades from Woodvale Road to Twaddell Avenue take place in an entirely Unionist area.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
