The Five Demands

Covenant talks ‘a meeting of minds’ (UTV)

“A meeting of minds” is how crunch talks on the parades issue have been described by First Minister Peter Robinson.

The talks took place at the Orange Order Headquarters in east Belfast on Thursday evening, amid ongoing efforts to find a resolution to parading in north Belfast.

Tens of thousands of Orangemen and their supporters are expected in Belfast on Saturday, 29 September for a special march to Stormont to mark the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Ulster Covenant.

The First Minister led a DUP delegation into the discussions, which included North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds.

The Ulster Unionist leader, Mike Nesbitt, senior representatives of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, and the North and West Belfast Parades Forum also attended.

The talks have resulted in Unionism and Loyalism uniting on the very divisive issue of parades.

Mr Robinson described the talks as “a meeting of minds,” adding: “There was full agreement amongst all of the representatives who were there and we are looking forward to a fantastic celebration on the 29th.”

Concerns remain surrounding the commemorative march after violence erupted following a parade past St Patrick’s Church in the north of the city last month.

Loyalist bands defied a ruling by the Parades Commission that only a single drumbeat should be played when passing the church during a Royal Black Institution parade.

The ruling was a direct result of conduct of loyalist band members during a 12 July parade in the Donegall Street area, when they were filmed marching in circles outside the Catholic church.

They were accused of playing the sectarian Famine Song, but later claimed the tune had been the Beach Boys track Sloop John B.

Earlier this month, the institution issued an apology for any offence the conduct caused to the clergy and parishioners of St Patrick’s Church.

The First Minister continued: “It’s an opportunity for people right across Northern Ireland to be part of what was the most important and vital event during the course of the Home Rule crisis – the signing of the Ulster Covenant.”

He said he hoped there would be respect right across the community for the event.

The veteran politician added that he hoped people wouldn’t attempt to mar it or spoil it in any way.

Mike Nesbitt, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, said the focus should on the real issue – the centenary of the signing of the Ulster Covenant.

He described the occasion as “a moment of political and cultural significance for the United Kingdom – not just for Northern Ireland.”

The Parades Commission has deferred its final judgement on the parade until next week.

However, the First Minister said they should “stay out of it.”

Mr Robinson said that he didn’t feel the need for any further involvement from the parades watchdog.

“The Orange have acted in a way everyone should welcome.

“I think the Parades Commission would do well to stay out of it,” he said.

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• DUP minister Nelson McCausland facing no confidence motion over parades stance (belfasttelegraph.co.uk)
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