The farcical events of the last twenty four hours regarding
the Parades Commission including the resignation of one of
its members has totally vindicated the position of the Grand
Orange Lodge of Ireland.
The Commission has absolutely no credibility. It may be argued
that an independent quango is in itself a contradiction in
terms. However their response to the Prime Minister's request
not to proceed with the publication of their preliminary findings
on a number of Parades clearly proves that there is not even
a pretence at independence.
The Commission have proved themselves incapable of even abiding
by their own procedural rules.
The Parades Commission is a failed concept arising from flawed
legislation. Rather than having asked them to delay publication
of their report the Prime Minister should enact legislation
to remove the Public Processions (Northern Ireland) Act from
the statute book.
It also has to be said that it is reprehensible if a politician
has tried to influence this publication because of the implications
it may have on the referendum.
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