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24/06/2004
Chief Constable under fire for 'dodging' meeting
PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde has been attacked by the Orange Order's Belfast Grand Master for what the Order views as "gross irresponsibility" over his refusal to meet with representatives concerned about a threat of violence hanging over Saturday's rerouted Whiterock parade.
Today, Belfast Orange Grand Master Dawson Bailie alleged that the Chief Constable was "deliberately dodging" a meeting to discuss security concerns arising from a ruling by the Parades Commission to prevent a parade proceeding down the Springfield Road.
Mr Bailie said: "When I initially contacted a senior PSNI officer and told him it was imperative that we met with the Chief Constable today, I was told he was too busy meeting political parties to see me."
On contacting leading Unionist politicians, Mr Bailie said that none of them knew anything about a meeting with the PSNI.
He said that he thought the Chief Constable was "simply trying to avoid the Orange Order".
"The Parades Commission ruling on the Whiterock parade is potentially one of the most serious threats to law and order in Belfast in recent years.
"For the Chief Constable not to be prepared even to discuss ways in which tensions might be reduced is a shameful dereliction of his duties and an insult to the citizens of Belfast," said Mr Bailie.
Earlier a group consisting of senior loyalists, unionists councillors and representatives had announced the formation of a Parades Forum. They had offered to enter into direct discussions with nationalists over the contentious route of the Whiterock parade.
Springfield residents had welcomed the move to discuss the parade as a genuine offer.
The Parades Commission ruling to restrict Saturday's Whiterock Orange Order parade cited previous breaches of codes of conduct as the reason for the decision to ban the parade from proceeding along the Springfield Road before proceeding back to the Shankill.
(SP)
Today, Belfast Orange Grand Master Dawson Bailie alleged that the Chief Constable was "deliberately dodging" a meeting to discuss security concerns arising from a ruling by the Parades Commission to prevent a parade proceeding down the Springfield Road.
Mr Bailie said: "When I initially contacted a senior PSNI officer and told him it was imperative that we met with the Chief Constable today, I was told he was too busy meeting political parties to see me."
On contacting leading Unionist politicians, Mr Bailie said that none of them knew anything about a meeting with the PSNI.
He said that he thought the Chief Constable was "simply trying to avoid the Orange Order".
"The Parades Commission ruling on the Whiterock parade is potentially one of the most serious threats to law and order in Belfast in recent years.
"For the Chief Constable not to be prepared even to discuss ways in which tensions might be reduced is a shameful dereliction of his duties and an insult to the citizens of Belfast," said Mr Bailie.
Earlier a group consisting of senior loyalists, unionists councillors and representatives had announced the formation of a Parades Forum. They had offered to enter into direct discussions with nationalists over the contentious route of the Whiterock parade.
Springfield residents had welcomed the move to discuss the parade as a genuine offer.
The Parades Commission ruling to restrict Saturday's Whiterock Orange Order parade cited previous breaches of codes of conduct as the reason for the decision to ban the parade from proceeding along the Springfield Road before proceeding back to the Shankill.
(SP)
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Local politicians have appealed for calm ahead of this weekend’s Whiterock parade in Belfast. It comes as the Orange Order said it plans to defy restrictions placed on it by the Parades Commission which says the Order must go though the former Mackies factory site on Saturday.
Politicians appeal for calm ahead of Whiterock parade
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24 August 2001
Pipe bomb escape in north Belfast
A number of people have escaped injury after two pipe bomb attacks in north Belfast. The devices exploded in the rear gardens of two houses in Deerpark Parade just before 11pm on Thursday. Police have said that a conservatory at one of the houses was badly damaged. A police spokesperson said it was “a miracle no-one was seriously injured.
Pipe bomb escape in north Belfast
A number of people have escaped injury after two pipe bomb attacks in north Belfast. The devices exploded in the rear gardens of two houses in Deerpark Parade just before 11pm on Thursday. Police have said that a conservatory at one of the houses was badly damaged. A police spokesperson said it was “a miracle no-one was seriously injured.
26 January 2011
Baggott Agrees Illegal Parading Meeting
There's to be a showdown over the way in which the PSNI has been allowing illegal republican parades to take place - while at the same time cracking down on Loyal Order events to make sure they follow the letter of the law under Parading legislation.
Baggott Agrees Illegal Parading Meeting
There's to be a showdown over the way in which the PSNI has been allowing illegal republican parades to take place - while at the same time cracking down on Loyal Order events to make sure they follow the letter of the law under Parading legislation.
24 October 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.
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.
14 September 2005
Loyalist protests continue as Orange Order absolves itself of blame
Loyalists have again block roads leading out of Belfast for a fourth consecutive day, police have reported. Protestors blocked Broadway roundabout on Wednesday afternoon causing traffic chaos on the Westlink while bus services have been withdrawn on the evening services from Shankill to Ligioniel and Carlisle Circus to Carrs Glenn.
Loyalist protests continue as Orange Order absolves itself of blame
Loyalists have again block roads leading out of Belfast for a fourth consecutive day, police have reported. Protestors blocked Broadway roundabout on Wednesday afternoon causing traffic chaos on the Westlink while bus services have been withdrawn on the evening services from Shankill to Ligioniel and Carlisle Circus to Carrs Glenn.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
