Fears over 'provocative' St Patrick's Day parade
CONCERNS have been raised over an "extremely provocative" parade due to take place in Co Down on St Patrick's Day.
The route of next Wednesday's parade by the nationalist Ancient Order of Hibernians has been described as "insensitive and unnecessary" by TUV chairman Ivor McConnell.
The annual march by Banna Fliuit Naoimh Phadraig involves around 50 participants marching through the town.
Mr McConnell, who said a number of Kilkeel residents had expressed their concerns about the parade to him, has written to the Parades Commission to highlight his worries.
"The residents are concerned about the route and the manner in which the marchers conduct themselves following the behaviour of one band in particular in recent years," he said.
Mr McConnell said it has been "a cause of considerable unhappiness to the relatives of those killed and injured by republicans that republican representatives and their supporters are permitted to parade past the town's war memorial and a second memorial to the victims of IRA violence".
The TUV man said that, in the past, the parade has been led by an Irish tricolour.
"This was extremely provocative," he said.
"It was contrary to the understanding which has developed over many years with respect to parades through the predominately Protestant, unionist town and, as has been the case in the past, has the potential to lead to unrest."
However, UUP Councillor Isaac Hanna said he is not anticipating any trouble.
"A lot of work has been on the ground through the years and I don't see why we should see any bother this year," he said.
"The Hibernian parade is totally inoffensive - they come, they march and they leave. Anyone causing trouble in years before does not represent the views of the people here."
Allowing the march to proceed under certain conditions, the Parades Commission recognised "sensitivities" surrounding parades in the town, but noted "a sense of goodwill and a recognition of the need to work towards future agreement on nationalist parades in Kilkeel".
The commission said it was "disappointed" band members had breached conduct during past marches, but said it "welcomes the band's acknowledgement of shortcomings".
In its determination, the commission said the parade would be "carefully monitored" and added: "The commission continues to regret that attitudes to this parade have yet to move to a point where an agreement can be brokered, and recognises that the band is willing to engage with those who oppose their parade."
Conditions imposed on the parade include the band not being allowed to play music while it passes Mourne Presbyterian Church Hall.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Belfast
Wednesday 15 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
