The Five Demands

Parades Commission ruling lacks consistency – Gerry Kelly (Sinn Fein)

Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly said he is disappointed with the lack of consistency regarding the Parades Commission ruling for this Saturday’s Apprentice Boys march past Carrickhill and St Patrick’s Church.

The North Belfast MLA said:

“The decision to allow the bands to play hymns while passing Carrickhill and St Patrick’s Church shows a lack of consistency on the part of the Parades Commission.

“The experience is that the bands have abused decisions like this and played music, which was clearly not hymns.

“Sinn Féin supported the residents proposal for there to be a single drum beat for this small section of the parade. This is clear-cut and not open to abuse or misrepresentation.

“While it is welcome that the Apprentice Boys engaged in direct talks with the Carrickhill residents group, in the absence of an agreement, the Parades Commission ruling is a step backward.”