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29/04/2008
Parades Decisions Controversy
A spokesman for residents' groups - which oppose parades by loyal orders passing close to their areas - has lashed the latest news on an independent review of the handling of contentious parades.
Gerald Rice, who is best known as a spokesman for the Lower Ormeau Residents Association this morning slammed as "political meddling" a review team, chaired by ex-Liberal Democrat leader Lord Ashdown, which he said would weaken the role of the Parades Commission, a body he praised for their decision-making in the past.
Nationalists have reacted angrily to Lord Ashdown's strategic review team - a body which was appointed a year ago to examine the issue of parading - and has published its interim report this morning.
It recommends a new approach that would see any disputes being referred to the First and Deputy First Minister, who would appoint a three strong panel to adjudicate - which would then mean the end of the Parades Commission.
Unionists on the other hand have broadly welcomed the initiative - led by Paddy Ashdown, a former British Army officer who saw several tours on duty in Northern Ireland in the 1990s - to recommend this new way to deal with contentious parades.
The report underlines how resolving disputes about parades is linked to wider political issues like the devolution of policing and justice.
There are almost 4,000 Orange Order parades in Northern Ireland every year - and while the vast majority are non-contentious - some, like Drumcree, or along the Lower Ormeau Road, are highly controversial and are the subject of rulings by the Parades Commission.
In the meantime, the Parades Commission will continue to have the final say until the new arrangements are put in place.
(BMcC)
Gerald Rice, who is best known as a spokesman for the Lower Ormeau Residents Association this morning slammed as "political meddling" a review team, chaired by ex-Liberal Democrat leader Lord Ashdown, which he said would weaken the role of the Parades Commission, a body he praised for their decision-making in the past.
Nationalists have reacted angrily to Lord Ashdown's strategic review team - a body which was appointed a year ago to examine the issue of parading - and has published its interim report this morning.
It recommends a new approach that would see any disputes being referred to the First and Deputy First Minister, who would appoint a three strong panel to adjudicate - which would then mean the end of the Parades Commission.
Unionists on the other hand have broadly welcomed the initiative - led by Paddy Ashdown, a former British Army officer who saw several tours on duty in Northern Ireland in the 1990s - to recommend this new way to deal with contentious parades.
The report underlines how resolving disputes about parades is linked to wider political issues like the devolution of policing and justice.
There are almost 4,000 Orange Order parades in Northern Ireland every year - and while the vast majority are non-contentious - some, like Drumcree, or along the Lower Ormeau Road, are highly controversial and are the subject of rulings by the Parades Commission.
In the meantime, the Parades Commission will continue to have the final say until the new arrangements are put in place.
(BMcC)
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11 July 2002
SF to meet Parades Commission over Twelfth parades
A meeting is to take place between Sinn Fein and the Parades Commission over a number of controversial Orange Order parades that are to take place in north Belfast on July 12. A delegation from the party is to meet the commission on Thursday morning with regard to parades along the Springfield Road and Crumlin Road planned for Friday.
SF to meet Parades Commission over Twelfth parades
A meeting is to take place between Sinn Fein and the Parades Commission over a number of controversial Orange Order parades that are to take place in north Belfast on July 12. A delegation from the party is to meet the commission on Thursday morning with regard to parades along the Springfield Road and Crumlin Road planned for Friday.
26 January 2011
Baggott Agrees Illegal Parading Meeting
There's to be a showdown over the way in which the PSNI has been allowing illegal republican parades to take place - while at the same time cracking down on Loyal Order events to make sure they follow the letter of the law under Parading legislation.
Baggott Agrees Illegal Parading Meeting
There's to be a showdown over the way in which the PSNI has been allowing illegal republican parades to take place - while at the same time cracking down on Loyal Order events to make sure they follow the letter of the law under Parading legislation.
24 January 2011
Police 'Allowed Illegal Republican Parade'
Members of the leading loyal order are said to be frustrated over an illegal march in Co Armagh yesterday and news of 'zero' prosecutions or cautions for those participating in any such illegal parades. The Orange Order described this as a "major shift" in policy, which they said, is causing huge frustration among law-abiding Orangemen.
Police 'Allowed Illegal Republican Parade'
Members of the leading loyal order are said to be frustrated over an illegal march in Co Armagh yesterday and news of 'zero' prosecutions or cautions for those participating in any such illegal parades. The Orange Order described this as a "major shift" in policy, which they said, is causing huge frustration among law-abiding Orangemen.
20 December 2010
Orange Tint To Parades Commission
A former senior Orangeman who disagreed with the loyal order's leadership has been appointed to the contentious Parades Commission in Northern Ireland. Reverend Brian Kennaway will be part of a new commission appointed by the Northern Ireland Office, which will begin operating early next month.
Orange Tint To Parades Commission
A former senior Orangeman who disagreed with the loyal order's leadership has been appointed to the contentious Parades Commission in Northern Ireland. Reverend Brian Kennaway will be part of a new commission appointed by the Northern Ireland Office, which will begin operating early next month.
04 January 2002
Parades Commissioner urges NI to seize opportunities of 2002
The Chairman of the Parades Commission has said that the year ahead provides the best opportunity for the people of Northern Ireland to come together to finally heal the running sore of contentious parades.
Parades Commissioner urges NI to seize opportunities of 2002
The Chairman of the Parades Commission has said that the year ahead provides the best opportunity for the people of Northern Ireland to come together to finally heal the running sore of contentious parades.
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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.
