Ministers Back Military Homecoming Parade

While the traditional loyal orders' marching season is in full swing, a campaign to honour NI servicemen and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with a special parade is getting high level support. NI First Minister Peter Robinson has backed the Belfast News Letter's campaign to stage a homecoming parade through the streets.

Mr Robinson and Finance Minister Nigel Dodds said they wanted to see a greater recognition of the "valuable work" done by the men and women of the armed forces.

The MPs added their support to calls for a parade and said they wanted to see other recognition of those fighting for the safety and security of the UK thousands of miles away.

Mr Robinson said: "The DUP is currently working hard to see a series of events organised in Northern Ireland that would give our troops the due recognition and honour which they deserve.

"It is right and proper, regardless of any political arguments, that the brave men and women who put their lives on the line in defence of our country should be recognised."

Mr Robinson, who visited Ulster troops in Afghanistan in May, said that he was confident that there would be a parade for soldiers returning to Ulster.

"This was an issue which I discussed at length with our troops during my recent visit to Afghanistan," he said,

"I welcome the fact that the News Letter has launched a campaign to this effect - their campaign coincides with the work of the DUP on this front and I am sure that we can produce a successful outcome which would see not only a parade, but other forms of recognition bestowed upon our brave soldiers returning from the battlefield."

DUP Deputy Leader, NI Finance Minister, Nigel Dodds said that he wanted to see Ulster soldiers receiving the same public gratitude which has been seen across America - despite the unpopularity of the war in Iraq with many Americans.

"In the United States the armed forces are treated with respect and honoured in their home country on return from theatres of combat," he said.

(BMcC)