The Five Demands

Loyalist band in St Patrick’s Day parade (UTV)
The Parades Commission has given the go ahead to a loyalist parade through Armagh on St Patrick’s Day.
However, a number of restrictions have been placed on the march by the Cornmeen Rising Sons of William Flute Band.
It will not be allowed to start until 7.30pm, when the St Patrick’s Day parade will have finished, and must end no later than 9.30pm.
In its determination the commission said it took “community relations” issues into consideration when making the decision.
Urging the need to respect everyone in the city, it continued: “The difficult decision which we have taken reflects the difficult conversations which have taken place and the need for these to continue within the local community.
“The Commission, taking into account the potential disruption to the life of the local community and the potential impact of the parade on community relationships, considers that it is appropriate and necessary to place conditions on the parade in relation to its timing, and to re-affirm the need to comply with its Code of Conduct, particularly concerning behaviour, dress and displays.”
Local MP Conor Murphy called the ruling “disastrous”.
The Sinn Féin representative added: “The Parades Commission have made a dreadful decision which has the potential to destroy the St Patrick’s Day festivities in Armagh which last year attracted over 16000 visitors to the city and damage community relations in the city.
“The leaders of all parties within Armagh Council agreed a council policy statement on the cross community ethos of St Patrick’s Day but some parties have displayed a duplicitous nature in their decision to now support this clearly provocative parade.”
Ulster Unionist MLA Danny Kennedy has given his backing to the parade.
“This annual parade by Cormeen Flute Band is a very well organised and properly stewarded event which has been taking place for a number of years.”
The Newry & Armagh MLA added: “As an elected representative of the local Unionist community I am in no doubt that this parade is a genuine expression of culture made by the Unionist marching band tradition to honour our Patron Saint who is not the exclusive property of one community.”
He said that the parade does not seek to pass through a residential area – but instead would take place in purely commercial/ business and public buildings area of Armagh.
“I am confident that the organisers have taken all necessary steps to ensure that the parade will pass off without incident and be enjoyed for the proper cultural reasons.”