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Talk of reconciliation and of the 'peace process' rings hollow
with Protestants in many parts of Northern Ireland, who still
feel very much under threat. Take the mainly elderly residents
of the attractive tree-lined street of Twaddell Avenue, which
faces the militant republican Ardoyne.
All the folk in Twaddell Avenue want to do is live in peace
with all their neighbours, including those across the road
in Ardoyne.
But the reality is that the Twaddell Avenue people have been
subjected to violence and threats from these militant republicans
in Ardoyne in recent years.
In particular, the situation gets intolerable at times when
football matches in Scotland between Rangers and Celtic are
played. When results in 'Old Firm' matches go against Celtic,
as happened recently, the Protestant pensioners of Twaddell
Avenue invariably suffer the backlash.
Their houses are the target of missiles, and even though
these are protected by wire mesh, it does not prevent damage.
But more important than physical damage to houses is the metal
anguish and despair this can cause to people who do not deserve
to be subjected to this sort of violence.
The police respond quickly when violence takes place, and
officers were injured in the recent republican violence. But
there needs to be more vigorous measures taken, and consideration
must be given by the authorities to enforcing the closure
of drinking outlets in the area during these sensitive football
matches.
More arrests and stiffer penalties by the courts would also
help, but what is needed above all is the willingness of the
republican and nationalist population in the area to respect
the traditions and culture of the Protestant people.
It is the same when it comes to Orange parades along this
part of the Crumlin Road, or in other parts of Belfast and
Northern Ireland. The republicans need to learn to respect
these parades and the right of Orangemen and their supporters
to peacefully witness for their faith and their traditions.
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