Lockhart says Garvaghy Road residents 'have nothing to be frightened of' from Orange parade as she demands judge look into Parades Commission
Carla Lockhart has said that the Parades Commission “have done what they want for 28 years,” and now is the time for a judge to look into how it operates.
The DUP MP for Upper Bann (into which Portadown falls) also said Garvaghy Road residents have “nothing to be frightened of” when it comes to a Drumcree march, and she reiterated her party’s position that the whole board of the commission must go.
A decision from NI Secretary Chris Bryant on whether or not to remove them is awaited at time of writing.
Meanwhile the Alliance Party, which also backs a review of the commission, said that the results of such a review should be the determining factor in any changes, rather than “political pressure”.
Speaking on Radio Ulster, Ms Lockhart said: “The chair cannot remain in her position.
"Any new notification could not could not be looked at by this cohort of people who have been caught up in in this entire legal wrangle.
"We also have made very clear that there needs to be a judge-led review into the structure, the accountability, the governance of this body.
"They have done what they want for the past 28 years, and now it's time for our parliament, who fund this body – the public fund it – to hold them to account.”
She added: “All I can say, very, very clearly: residents have nothing to be frightened of.
"Portadown district has made an entirely reasonable and unconditional offer to engage in mediation without precondition to find a peaceful resolution.
"It is not unionism, it is not loyalism, who are threatening violence here. In fact, quite the opposite.
"They have said even if the next determination of any notification of any parade goes against them, they will not engage in violence.”
Asked its own position on whether the commission’s board should go, the Alliance Party said in a statement: "The Parades Commission plays an essential role and it's vital that its processes are robust, lawful and capable of commanding public confidence across our society.
“Alliance has called on the Secretary of State to undertake a review of the commission’s procedures.
"Any changes must be based on the findings of this review, and not solely based on political pressure. The independence of the commission must remain paramount.
“This ruling should not be used as a means to refight old battles or reopen old wounds.”