The Orange Order today requested urgent talks with the Police
Service of Northern Ireland to discuss the attack on Orangemen
at last nights parade in North Belfast.
Nationalists from the New Lodge area threw bricks, bottle
and metal bolts at the parade as it passed the peace line
in Duncairn Gardens.
Describing the level of police protection for the parade
last night as woefully inadequate, Dawson Bailie,
County Grand Master of Belfast, said: There was trouble
at this same point two years ago something we drew
to the attention of the police then. The police should have
known this was a potential trouble spot and their failure
to protect those on parade last night simply isnt good
enough. We will be asking the PSNI to explain what went wrong
and seeking assurances on proper police protection for future
parades.
After the Orange parade was ambushed eight nearby Catholic
homes were attacked resulting in a pensioner being taken to
hospital. We condemn unreservedly any violence towards
Catholic residents, said Robert Saulters, Grand Master
of the Orange Order. This kind of mindless hooliganism
serves no purpose whatever. We are confident that no Orangeman
took part in the attacks but we shall be carrying out an internal
investigation to make sure and if any Orangeman is
implicated they will face disciplinary action
Mr Saulters added: The parade was perfectly lawful
and closely marshalled. All Orangemen ask for is a few minutes
of tolerance and respect so we can celebrate our Ulster-Scots
culture and traditions free of interference and violence from
outsiders. If others are so insecure about their own identity
that they feel they have to attack us then at the very least
we expect the police to offer proper protection.
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