A community inquiry is being set up to investigate attacks
on Orange Lodges and bands passing the Ardoyne shop fronts
on the Crumlin Road in North Belfast on the evening of July
12.
Protestant community representatives claim that despite a
large police-army presence and the erection of protective
metal panels in the area, nationalists were able to attack
the parade of five Lodges and bands with "relative ease".
It was also claimed that republican youths attacked the parade
on the Crumlin Road from the grounds of the Everton complex,
where there was no police or army presence.
Jackie Hewitt, chairman of the Greater Shankill Community
Council, said that those taking part in the parade showed
great restraint in how they responded to the situation.
"There is no doubt that republicans were desperate to
provoke a reaction from the parade for the waiting television
cameras. Although there was real anger about the attacks those
in the parade kept moving as they had been asked," added
Mr Hewitt.
He said the Protestant community in North Belfast now wished
to compile its own report on all the circumstances surrounding
the attack.
Orange Lodges, bands, local residents and community groups
and local politicians are all expected to contribute to the
inquiry and the findings will be published publicly.
Submissions are being sent to the Greater Shankill Community
Council, 177 Shankill Road, Belfast.
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