Orange Order Parade Denied

A proposed Orange march through the Ardoyne area of north Belfast has been denied by the Parades Commission.

The Orange Order had applied to the Parades Commission for a proposed march through north Belfast along the same parade route as on the 12 July.

Parts of east and north Belfast have experienced consecutive nights of rioting and disorder since last Friday, when police sought to uphold a Parades Commission ruling that said the Order could only march through the predominantly Catholic area of Ardoyne once on 12 July.

When the route was blocked on the return leg of the parade, loyalists responded with disorder, rioting and throwing missiles at police lines.

One man was filmed draping an Irish tricolour over the bonnet of a PSNI landrover and setting it alight, while another man was arrested after stealing a police baton and using it to attack officers.

This week, the Order once again applied to march along the same route.

Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly said: "The Parades Commission did the right thing by standing by their original determination on this route. It has taken the only logical and sensible decision regarding Saturday’s proposed parade.

"Whoever in the Orange Order thought this was a good move needs to reflect on how it has increased tensions and done absolutely nothing to point towards a resolution of the situation.

"The Orange Order in Belfast need to step out of the bubble they are living in. They can not threaten and intimidate people into getting their way and can no longer ignore the feelings of people their parades affect in a negative way."

SDLP MLA for North Belfast Alban Maginness called the application "unhelpful and irresponsible".

"It is time now for leadership and calm and I am calling on the Orange Order to do the right thing. As I said in the Assembly I believe that if we can resolve the issue of parading north Belfast will blossom. The community deserves nothing less."

Alliance Councillor John Blair said: "I would urge all sides to accept whatever decision is made by the Parades Commission. As the lawful independent parading regulatory body, their determinations should be abided by.

"Parading has obviously been a contentious issue in recent years. I hope that the all-party talks to be led by Dr Richard Haass that is looking at flags, parades and the past, can achieve a positive outcome on these issues."

(IT/MH)