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Arlene Foster, ministro DUP, si schiera con i “difensori del confine”

Band successfully challenges march ruling

Newtownbutler Border DefendersA FERMANAGH flute band has successfully challenged a Parades Commission ruling which originally banned its parade through Newtownbutler.

Representatives from Newtownbutler Border Defenders met with the commission on Tuesday ahead of hosting its annual parade in the border village tomorrow evening.

While bands will still not be permitted to walk the original route requested, following a review they will now commence and finish their march within the village boundary.

Previously, the commission ruled the parade should be held on the outskirts of the village.

The flute band had threatened to take the decision to a judicial review, however, this will not now take place.

Up to 20 bands will take part in the invitational parade, which may also no longer be subject to a nationalist protest.

A counter demonstration was expected to take place in the village, however, a Parades Commission spokesman confirmed it had received an indication that the notification for the protest would be withdrawn.

A spokesman for Newtownbutler Border Defenders welcomed the revised determination. He said: “The initial ruling [of the Parades Commission] was found to be flawed and given the efforts the band has made in order to secure a resolution to parading in the village, we feel it is a victory for the band that we are still able to express our cultural heritage within the town boundary of Newtownbutler.”

DUP MLA Arlene Foster – who accompanied the band delegation to meet with the Parades Commission this week – also welcomed the revised ruling but warned the outcome did not “represent a good result for the unionist community in Newtownbutler”.

Accusing the commission of pursuing a “vendetta against parades”, she also paid tribute to band members for their conduct.

“I know that the community will come out to support this local band on Friday evening,” Mrs Foster said.

“They have remained dignified and resolute in their quest to hold a peaceful parade, despite the actions of an unaccountable quango which has absolutely no legitimacy within the unionist community.”

In reaching its revised decision, the commission said it was “mindful” of the strong feelings within the local community about the parade.

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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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