Sinn Fein 'called out on double standards' on road closures at Fleadh and 'Black' parade in Newry
Sinn Fein had no objections when Belfast city centre was for a week during the Fleadh - yet the party cannot accept a Protestant parade in Newry which roads closures for two hours, says a flute band that played in both.
Davy Thomson is chairman of the Shankill Road Defenders Band, which was one of a number of loyalist bands that proved a great hit at the fleadh main stage in Belfast last month.
His band also played in the Royal Black Institution parade in Newry on Saturday which saw some 10,000 people converge on the city.
Parts of Newry city centre were closed for up to two hours – although organisers said they consulted and provided information widely in advance.
However local Sinn Fein MLA Liz Kimmins said the disruption was “absolutely atrocious”.
She added: “The loss of trade for local businesses, and residents hemmed into their homes as traffic is diverted around the town is totally unacceptable.”
But Mr Thomson noted that Belfast city centre was closed down for a week for the Fleadh last month yet Sinn Fein had no voiced objections.
By contrast parts of Newry city centre were closed for two hours on Saturday for the Black Parade, yet Sinn Fein voiced serious objections.
“I definitely think it is double standards,” he said. “But Sinn Fein is Sinn Fein – they will always put a spin on anything. Our culture is not welcome with them.
“By contrast we were treated very well at the fleadh.
“Sinn Fein tried to hijack it and they couldn't do it. We met some really nice people at it – it is a musical festival. They don't have a political agenda at all.
“We played traditional tunes on the main stage for 30 minutes. The feedback we got afterwards was fantastic – unbelievable. We got 1.5m views online of our performance. We had people logging on and saying they were Catholic and that they thought we were brilliant.
“People from down south were saying we should be leading the St Patrick's Day parade and playing half-time at Croke Park for the All-Ireland final.”
Local UUP councillor David Taylor was involved in organising the Newry parade and was a parade marshall on Saturday.
“There will be some businesses will say that they were impacted on it, but I have to say also that I provided to local business leaders in advance in respect of what was taking place and there was an opportunity for anyone to engage with us,” he said.
They did their best to minimise any impact and will make any improvements they can for the future, he added.
By contrast he noted that the St Patrick's Day parade and LGBT Pride Parade in Newry also see the city centre closed off – but without any complaints from Sinn Fein. “So I think the concerns from Sinn Fein are more about our cultural expression.”
TUV Armagh councillor Keith Ratcliffe said there was extensive discussion with the local community before the parade. “The problem republicans have is that the loyal orders exist,” he added.
Sinn Fein was invited to comment.