Union flag can fly at Ardoyne parade
The Parades Commission has clarified the details of its determination for the Orange Order’s Twelfth parade at Ardoyne in north Belfast.
In its original ruling the watchdog said that the Pride of Ardoyne should pass the flashpoint on the Crumlin Road with no music, no flying of flags and no supporters on its return leg.
But the Commission, after consulting with police, say this determination does not include union flags, which can be unfurled.
North Belfast DUP MP Nigel Dodds has said he welcomes the clarification, which he had sought.
“There has been widespread outrage that the Parades Commission imposed the restriction that ‘all flags must be furled’.”
Mr Dodds branded this restriction as “a serious error” and once again called for the replacement of the Commission with new structures.
“There should never have been any question over the flying of our national flag and I welcome this clarification.
“We should be moving increasingly towards the normalisation of parades and away from these needless restrictions which cause deep offence and interrupt the dignity of parades.”
