Menu
10/07/2013
Party Leaders Call For Peaceful 12th
The leaders of Northern Ireland's five main political parties have called for a peaceful parading season ahead of Friday.
The statement was made following a meeting between the party leaders and PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott.
It said: "We welcome the briefing by the Chief Constable and note the steps that are being taken to police the events of the upcoming period and to keep people safe. We would like to acknowledge the significant efforts made around the contentious parades that have taken place already this year by community leaders and police. We would highlight, in particular, the recent talks between representatives of the Orange Order and Crumlin Ardoyne Residents’ Association and the efforts of both organisations over recent years to ensure peace."
The party leaders also condemned the use of violence and said it was neither acceptable in a democratic society, nor inevitable.
"Whatever any of the parties may believe about the wisdom of any Parade Commission determinations, it is the lawful authority dealing with these matters and its decisions must be observed. We appeal to community leaders and, indeed others, such as parents to seek a peaceful parading season to avoid an impact on our citizens, through damaged community relations or the life-restricting consequences of criminal records.
"We are committed to building a positive image of Northern Ireland seen as a result of the G8 Summit, through the UK City of Culture and, hopefully, the forthcoming World Police and Fire Games and All Ireland Fleadh. We do not want to see anything which undermines the good work already done by so many."
However, parties are already at loggerheads following a Parades Commission decision not to allow an Orange Parade through Ardoyne in north Belfast to return along the same route.
While Sinn Féin's Gerry Kelly welcomed the decision, many key DUP MLAs have called for the removal of the Parades Commission.
Yesterday's all-party statement added: "For those who wish to see a different approach to decisions around parading we point you to the fact that the Executive has agreed to all-party talks commencing later this year. This will look at parading and other contentious issues. That is the forum through which we need to consider the future of parading decisions not through illegal protests or other unlawful action on the streets."
(IT/CD)
The statement was made following a meeting between the party leaders and PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott.
It said: "We welcome the briefing by the Chief Constable and note the steps that are being taken to police the events of the upcoming period and to keep people safe. We would like to acknowledge the significant efforts made around the contentious parades that have taken place already this year by community leaders and police. We would highlight, in particular, the recent talks between representatives of the Orange Order and Crumlin Ardoyne Residents’ Association and the efforts of both organisations over recent years to ensure peace."
The party leaders also condemned the use of violence and said it was neither acceptable in a democratic society, nor inevitable.
"Whatever any of the parties may believe about the wisdom of any Parade Commission determinations, it is the lawful authority dealing with these matters and its decisions must be observed. We appeal to community leaders and, indeed others, such as parents to seek a peaceful parading season to avoid an impact on our citizens, through damaged community relations or the life-restricting consequences of criminal records.
"We are committed to building a positive image of Northern Ireland seen as a result of the G8 Summit, through the UK City of Culture and, hopefully, the forthcoming World Police and Fire Games and All Ireland Fleadh. We do not want to see anything which undermines the good work already done by so many."
However, parties are already at loggerheads following a Parades Commission decision not to allow an Orange Parade through Ardoyne in north Belfast to return along the same route.
While Sinn Féin's Gerry Kelly welcomed the decision, many key DUP MLAs have called for the removal of the Parades Commission.
Yesterday's all-party statement added: "For those who wish to see a different approach to decisions around parading we point you to the fact that the Executive has agreed to all-party talks commencing later this year. This will look at parading and other contentious issues. That is the forum through which we need to consider the future of parading decisions not through illegal protests or other unlawful action on the streets."
(IT/CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 November 2024
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
19 November 2024
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
14 November 2024
Police Appeal Following Burglary In Ahoghill
Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a burglary in Ahoghill on Tuesday, 12th November. Police received a report that the back door of a house on the Ballymena Road was forced open shortly before 6pm.
Police Appeal Following Burglary In Ahoghill
Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a burglary in Ahoghill on Tuesday, 12th November. Police received a report that the back door of a house on the Ballymena Road was forced open shortly before 6pm.
08 August 2013
DUP And UUP Urge 'Respect' For Apprentice Boys
The DUP and UUP have called for respect during this Saturday's Apprentice Boys of Derry parades across Northern Ireland. Party leaders Peter Robinson and Mike Nesbitt have released a joint statement calling for the bands to "be allowed to enjoy a peaceful, respectful day out this Saturday.
DUP And UUP Urge 'Respect' For Apprentice Boys
The DUP and UUP have called for respect during this Saturday's Apprentice Boys of Derry parades across Northern Ireland. Party leaders Peter Robinson and Mike Nesbitt have released a joint statement calling for the bands to "be allowed to enjoy a peaceful, respectful day out this Saturday.
20 April 2012
New Initiative Launched To Resolve Parading Disputes
Former speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Lord John Alderdice, has been asked to take on an initiative by the Parades Commission to resolve parading disputes in Ardoyne, north Belfast. Fr Gary Donegan and Rev Norman Hamilton will also take part in the new initiative.
New Initiative Launched To Resolve Parading Disputes
Former speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Lord John Alderdice, has been asked to take on an initiative by the Parades Commission to resolve parading disputes in Ardoyne, north Belfast. Fr Gary Donegan and Rev Norman Hamilton will also take part in the new initiative.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
