The Five Demands

Bid to solve flashpoint parade row (NewsLetter)

Loyalists in north Belfast have welcomed a new initiative aimed at resolving parade disputes at a notorious city interface.
Members of the North and West Belfast Parades Forum met yesterday to discuss the merits of the involvement of a senior politician and two clergymen in fresh talks seeking a resolution to ongoing tensions surrounding marches in Ardoyne.
The Parades Commission has confirmed that former speaker of the Stormont Assembly, Lord Alderdice, supported by Presbyterian minister the Rev Norman Hamilton and Holy Cross priest Fr Gary Donegan are to lead a “series of conversations” between local groups in the area.
In recent years, republicans have engaged in serious rioting following parades by Orangemen returning from Twelfth demonstrations.
Other loyal order marches are also subject to protests by the Crumlin and Ardoyne Residents Association (CARA).
Winston Irvine from the parades forum confirmed that the commission has been in contact regarding the new initiative.
He said the group – which has previously held face-to-face talks with CARA – welcomed any initiative aimed at resolving the dispute, “provided it is done with good will”.
“We welcome the opportunity to engage and to explore in conversation with Lord Alderdice and his colleagues in an attempt to find a local accord,” he said.
“People will come at this with good will and will act in good faith. If all sides can do that I think we are in the ball park.”
Asked if he was confident that the process would succeed, Mr Irvine replied: “We are very optimistic and we are certainly coming at this with positivity.”
He added: “I think any solution has to involve respect for the different traditions in Northern Ireland. I do not think that all-out victory for either side is a durable solution.
“I think we need to find a way that gives due recognition, due regard and acceptance to the fact there are different cultures, identities and allegiances.”
Mr Hamilton, a former Presbyterian Moderator, said it was his wish that any interactions would “build a common heart for the welfare of all the people” in north Belfast.
“They are conversations – they are not negotiations, they are not mediation. They are conversations to see if an accord can be reached,” he said.
Parades Commission chairman, Peter Osborne, said the purpose of the initiative was to make a fresh effort at seeking a more “sustainable solution” to parading in Ardoyne.
Commenting on the make-up of the three-man panel, he said: “We are sure that given his recognised local and international experience Lord Alderdice is someone in whom both parties can have confidence. I am encouraged that in this initiative he will be supported by Gary and Norman, who have significant local experience and knowledge, real local standing and respect.”
Mr Osborne acknowledged the efforts of the parades forum and CARA to date and also requested that the media give participants space in the days ahead to “undertake this difficult and challenging work”.