Bandsmen and Orange marchers should avoid a Twelfth trap set by republicans

There is a well known theory that the PIRA bombed a commercial area in Belfast prior to an orange parade, the hope being that the disgusted marchers would have their blood boiling at the sight of the destruction and loudly call for action.
By Neale Weir
Published 8th Jul 2020, 17:26 BST
Updated 8th Jul 2020, 17:31 BST
The republican movement know that after the Bobby Storey funeral loyalists will rush to apply to paradeThe republican movement know that after the Bobby Storey funeral loyalists will rush to apply to parade
The republican movement know that after the Bobby Storey funeral loyalists will rush to apply to parade

There is a well known theory that the PIRA bombed a commercial area in Belfast prior to an orange parade, the hope being that the disgusted marchers would have their blood boiling at the sight of the destruction and loudly call for action.

Sure enough, not long after internment was introduced which was one of the key turning points in the Provo history and gave their ‘war’ myth the semblance of a foundation.

This is the far-sightedness of that movement.

Letter to the editorLetter to the editor
Letter to the editor
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The incredible scenes of the Bobby Storey funeral could not have been contemplated without a similar scrutiny in the planning stage. It will have been known that a media storm would result.

It will also be known that loyalists would knee-jerkedly rush to apply to parade on the Twelfth.

It is almost a given that even if only 0.01% of the bandsmen or supporters put a foot wrong then this will be enough to salvage a PR victory that will put to bed this controversy and immediately undo the damage.

Anyone who fills a flute, beats a drum or dons a uniform on Monday the 13th is actively letting SF off the hook.

The cameras will find them. It really is that simple.

Just stay at home that day.

Neale Weir, Castledawson,Co Londonderry

——— ———

A message from the Editor:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers — and consequently the revenue we receive — we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor

Related topics:Belfast