Menu
24/09/2002
SDLP emphasises 'important work' of Parades Commission
SDLP leader Mark Durkan and deputy leader Brid Rodgers today met with George Quigley, who is currently conducting a review of the work of the Parades Commission.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Durkan said the SDLP supported the Parades Commission and expected the review to recommend its continuance.
“We have been sceptical about the motives behind this review which was commissioned by the government at the behest of the Ulster Unionist Party," he said.
"It is clear that the Ulster Unionist Party wants to abolish the Parades Commission – the SDLP is strongly opposed to this. While we have not always agreed with the decisions of the Commission, we have always respected them. The Commission must be allowed to continue with its important work."
Mrs Rodgers added: “Last summer was the most telling evidence that the Commission is working. And, as the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Upending the Commission now would only set back the progress made by many people in both communities in recent years to resolve the parades issue."
Deputy First Minister Durkan added that it was "only through dialogue that lasting solutions to parades disputes can be found".
(GMcG)
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Durkan said the SDLP supported the Parades Commission and expected the review to recommend its continuance.
“We have been sceptical about the motives behind this review which was commissioned by the government at the behest of the Ulster Unionist Party," he said.
"It is clear that the Ulster Unionist Party wants to abolish the Parades Commission – the SDLP is strongly opposed to this. While we have not always agreed with the decisions of the Commission, we have always respected them. The Commission must be allowed to continue with its important work."
Mrs Rodgers added: “Last summer was the most telling evidence that the Commission is working. And, as the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Upending the Commission now would only set back the progress made by many people in both communities in recent years to resolve the parades issue."
Deputy First Minister Durkan added that it was "only through dialogue that lasting solutions to parades disputes can be found".
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Belfast's St George's Market Hosts Festive Christmas Twilight Market Get ready for some festive cheer! St George's Market in Belfast is hosting its annual Christmas Twilight Market on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th November from 4pm to 11pm. The market will be transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and a lively atmosphere.
Other News In Brief
Belfast's St George's Market Hosts Festive Christmas Twilight Market Get ready for some festive cheer! St George's Market in Belfast is hosting its annual Christmas Twilight Market on Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th November from 4pm to 11pm. The market will be transformed into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and a lively atmosphere.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
21 November 2024
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
Work Underway For Free Hospital Parking In Northern Ireland
Work has begun at several hospital sites across Northern Ireland as part of the preparations for the introduction of free car parking in May 2026. Health and Social Care Trusts have been actively preparing for the implementation of a new traffic management system since the Hospital Parking Charges Act was passed in 2022.
20 November 2024
Hydebank Wood Prison Praised For 'Model Of Excellence'
Justice Minister Naomi Long has hailed Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison as a "model of excellence and good practice" following the publication of two positive inspection reports.
Hydebank Wood Prison Praised For 'Model Of Excellence'
Justice Minister Naomi Long has hailed Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison as a "model of excellence and good practice" following the publication of two positive inspection reports.
19 November 2024
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
-
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.
