Distretto NordParate

Arlene Foster insiste nel chiedere la chiusura della Commissione Parate

Fresh call for parades body to be scrapped

Arlene Foster, DUPNEGOTIATIONS should be reactivated in relation to abolishing the Parades Commission, a senior unionist has said.

DUP MLA Arlene Foster was speaking after the parades body placed restrictions on two separate Royal Black Institution feeder parades in Fermanagh this weekend.

Sir Knights in the border villages of Newtownbutler and Rosslea are not allowed to fully complete their requested marches and will also both be subject to republican protests tomorrow.

In its determinations, the Parades Commission stated that should both parades process the entirety of their notified routes, there would be an “adverse effect on community relations and a potential for public disorder”.

In Newtownbutler, brethren are prohibited from proceeding on any part of its notified return route on High Street and Main Street.

In Rosslea, as has been the case for a number of years, Sir Knights are prevented from marching on the Main Street beyond the Royal Black Preceptory hall.

Parata della Royal Black PreceptoryLocal lodges are parading to coincide with the county Royal Black demonstration, which is being held in nearby Brookeborough.

Stressing her “huge disappointment” at the rulings by the Parades Commission, Mrs Foster slammed the body as an “absolute farce”.

“After Hillsborough we had a template to move forward and get rid of the Parades Commission but other unionists unfortunately took up a different position,” said the enterprise minister.

“As a result of that we still have the commission making decisions that are illogical and irrational, and adding to community tension in [Rosslea and Newtownbutler] where Protestants are very much in the minority.”

On the commission’s previous decision to also place restrictions on a band parade in Newtownbutler last month, the DUP MLA added: “It just signals to me again that the Parades Commission needs to be abolished as soon as possible and I really do urge all of the loyal institutions and the band forums to come together so that we can reactivate negotiations in relation to getting rid of it.

“It is quite clear their determinations this summer have been unhelpful in relation to community relations across Northern Ireland.”

UUP councillor Harold Andrews, who is worshipful master of Gordon and Nixon Memorial Temperance RBP No 473 in Rosslea, also expressed sadness at the latest setback for the loyal order.

“We are disappointed with the decision because at one time we used to parade most of the village but now we are restricted to only parading to our hall.”

Mr Andrews also confirmed Inver flute band would participate in the parade. Last month, the nearby Orange hall used by the band was destroyed in an arson attack.

A Parades Commission spokesman said: “We continue to encourage all parties to engage in dialogue and in the coming months we will seek to organise meetings in the area.”

He declined to comment on Mrs Foster’s remarks.

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René Querin

Di professione grafico e web designer, sono appassionato di trekking e innamorato dell'Irlanda e della sua storia. Insieme ad Andrea Varacalli ho creato e gestisco Les Enfants Terribles.

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