City parade passes off peacefully
THE contentious Tour of the North parade has passed off peacefully and without incident.
There were fears that dissident republicans would use Friday night's north Belfast parade to increase sectarian tensions ahead of the marching season.
However, a north Belfast community representative has expressed his fears of "mayhem and violence" ahead of the Twelfth.
Last week, the Parades Commission ruled that a feeder parade would not be allowed to pass north Belfast's Ardoyne shop front - the scene of violent clashes in the past.
This year dissidents were blamed for escalating tensions in the area after a sign was erected at the Ardoyne shop front. The sign which read "no parade violence" was said to have been placed by the Greater Ardoyne Residents Collective.
Winston Irvine, from the North and West Belfast Parades and Cultural Forum, told the News Letter: "There was no need for the sign to be erected, no Orange lodges or bands passed the shop front and we commend those members for taking the decision not to pass by Ardoyne.
"It seems as though dissident republicans are intent on disrespecting Orange and British culture."
Mr Irvine said he had "serious concerns" about violence in the area as the Twelfth of July approaches.
"There are channels of communication open and those channels are telling us clearly that dissidents are planning violence and mayhem ahead of the marching season.
"This is obviously of great concern and worry to the people of north and west Belfast."
Presbyterian moderator the Rev Norman Hamilton attended the parade, just days after meeting with Bloody Sunday families in Londonderry with clerical colleagues.
The moderator said that "opening full and frank channels of discussion" was the only way to ensure better community relations in the area.
"We need to work harder in the coming weeks and months to ensure there is greater understanding and empathy between both sides of the community. That is what I am really working for."
The parade, which brought thousands onto the streets, passed largely without incident.
There were only a few minor scuffles at North Queen Street, where bottles and rocks were thrown at passing bands.
PSNI district commander Mark Hamilton congratulated both marchers and protesters on their responsible approach to the evening.
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Weather for Belfast
Monday 28 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South
