RNU Slams The Parades Commission
REPUBLICAN NETWORK FOR UNITY (RNU) CATHAOIRLEACH/ CHAIRPERSON, CARL REILLY slams the Parades Commission for their inaction and recent decisions on contentious Orange Order parades.
Mr. Reilly said; ‘Everyone should have the right to live free from sectarian intimidation and harassment. Many Nationalist and Republican communities however, are forced to spend every summer in fear and apprehension of attack from bigots. Last years forced Orange march in Ardoyne cost of over £2.5 million. This money could have been used to fund community groups for example instead of policing. Permitting this, and other contentious marches in nationalist areas, is essentially stealing from the community. Resident’s still feel the need to escape from their homes when there is a sectarian march forced through their areas. How can this situation be allowed to continue in 2011?
Only a few weeks ago, the Short Strand area came under sustained attacks from the UVF. Now, we can add Carrickfergus, Newtownabbey, Magherafelt, Ballymena and Coleraine to the list suffering from Loyalist and Unionist aggression. People’s homes have been attacked, and not only is there fear of being attacked by loyalists, but the fear of being arrested for defending your own home and community. Over 40 people have been charged with various offences as a result of the 12th July riots in Ardoyne last year. But yet no loyalists who attacked homes and residents the Strand area 2 weeks ago, have been arrested or charged. The combination of the illogical decisions of the parades commission, attacks by loyalists, and political policing proves that the Republican and Nationalist community are still perceived as second class citizens in the Six Counties’.
Mr Reilly concluded: “RNU do not deny anyone their right to celebrate their history and faith, but simply ask that it’s done in areas in which it is welcomed and that common sense prevail. The insistence of Loyal Orders to parade where they are clearly not welcome only serves to add fuel to the flames of sectarianism which is an integral part of British imperialism. We demand an explanation from the Parades Commission on their decision to permit contentious parades to pass through Nationalist areas and why they have ignored, yet again, the concerns and wishes of the residents.”
