Rasharkin parade decision welcomed
DUP MLA Mervyn Storey has welcomed the decision by the Parades Commission not to hold a review of its determination to allow a band parade through Rasharkin on Friday night.
Around 40 bands and hundreds of supporters are expected to attend the event in the north Antrim village, organised by the Ballymaconnelly Sons of Conquerors Flute Band.
Restrictions on behaviour and a ban on any paramilitary trappings have been placed on the parade.
Mr Storey said the residents and Sinn Fein should now accept the decision and call off any protest.
He said: “The residents, backed by Sinn Fein, are seeking to heighten tensions in the area, but they now have to accept the decision of the Parades Commission.
“I would call on Sinn Fein to show leadership and call off any protest so that the conditions for real and meaningful progress on future parades in the village can be made.”
Mr Storey said the Parades Commission decision meant there was a chance to take the heat out of the situation.
He said: “This is a chance for Sinn Fein to de-escalate and take the temperature out of the situation.
“There is no need for the protest as the band is aware of their concerns and are seeking to address those, so they should call it off.
“If they are not trying to inflame the situation, I hope they will prove me wrong and call off the protest and create a context where there can be a real change in the situation.”
Sinn Fein MLA Daithí McKay said people in Rasharkin cannot understand why the commission turned down the opportunity to review its decision.
He said: “The Parades Commission heard the concerns voiced by residents in Rasharkin at a public meeting last week about the intimidation, loyalist paramilitary displays and fear of violence that this parade would visit upon the community.
“Those who made this decision should hang their head in shame.
“A small village like Rasharkin cannot accommodate 41 loyalist bands and it doesn’t take a genius to see that.
“It is irresponsible and dangerous to let hundreds of loyalists loose in a mainly nationalist village like this.”
The residents protest is limited to 130 participants including stewards and restrictions have also been placed on behaviour.
