DUP walks out amid Downpatrick row
DUP politicians have angrily walked away from a St Patrick’s Day parade in Downpatrick, after it was led by a Sinn Féin councillor carrying a tricolour flag.
Eamonn Mac Con Midhe followed through on plans, which sparked a row at Down District Council.
Around 30,000 people turned up for the flagship event on Thursday in the town where St Patrick is believed to have been buried, but DUP representatives left in protest.
The moderator of the Presbyterian Church stayed, saying the parade must remain a cross-community event.
The council had met on Wednesday evening to discuss the matter in a bid to ease tensions, but were unable to agree on a deal.
Chairman Eamonn O’Neill said he now hopes talks will take place as soon as possible to prevent a similar situation arising next year.
