24/10/2014

Unionists Accused Of Holding All-Party Talks To Ransom

Sinn Féin has accused Unionists of holding all party talks to ransom over an Orange Order parade in north Belfast.

MP Conor Murphy said to date there is no agenda, no timetable, no programme of work or no structure for chairing.

Mr Murphy said: "We told the two governments that we are concerned that we don't have a credible talks process.

"The British Secretary of State continues to engage with the DUP on the issue of the North Belfast Orange Order parade.

"The British government is clearly playing political footsy with the DUP under the table.

"We made it clear that Theresa Villiers that is a mistake on her behalf and it's the wrong way to go about this process."

(CD/MH)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

30 September 2013
Orange March Request Criticised
An application by the Orange order to complete an 'unfinished' parade that began on 12 July this year has been criticised. The move follows a decision by the Parades Commission earlier this year to only let the Orange Order march through a predominantly Catholic area of north Belfast once.
08 July 2013
No Agreement After Orange Order Ardoyne Talks
No agreement has been reached between the Orange Order and a north Belfast residents' group over a controversial parade held every 12 July in the area. Both the Orange Order and the Crumlin and Ardoyne Residents Association (CARA) were praised after agreeing to hold face-to-face talks regarding the parade.
05 July 2013
Orange Order Agrees To Nationalist Talks
The Orange Order has agreed to engage in talks with a nationalist residents group in north Belfast, following an appeal by a unionist residents group. The Twaddell and Woodvale Residents Association asked local Orange lodges to speak to the Crumlin and Ardoyne Residents Association to find a way to help the 12th of July parades pass off peacefully.
07 October 2014
NIO Parade Panel Announced
A panel is to be set up to examine ongoing parading issues in north Belfast, the Northern Ireland Office has announced. Secretary of State Theresa Villiers made the announcement today following discussions with Northern Ireland's political parties on how to resolve the ongoing dispute.
18 September 2012
Orange Order Must Engage Directly With Residents - Maginness
An SDLP North Belfast MLA has said the Orange Order should engage in direct talks with Carrickhill residents in advance of the Ulster Covenant Parade on September 29th. Alban Maginness was speaking after he and Cllr Nichola Mallon met with Orange Order officials at their Schomberg House headquarters.