The Orange Order today accused the Parades Commission of
double standards and assisting militant republicans in trying
to eliminate Protestant traditions.
Reacting to the Commissions statement on Friday that
it was appalled by the behaviour of followers of the Orange
Parade which passed the flashpoint area of Ardoyne in North
Belfast on the evening of 12th July, the Order condemned the
comments as inciting vigilantism.
For the Parades Commission to cite anti-social behaviour
by a few hangers on as an excuse to further restrict Orange
Parades is like banning a Premiership football club from playing
matches because some so-called supporters might cause trouble
on the way to or from the stadium said a spokesman for
the Order.
What exactly does the Commission expect us to do
send in heavies armed with baseball bats to keep parade followers
in line? Thats what the I.R.A. does but we believe enforcing
law and order is a matter for the security forces and not
vigilante gangs.
The Order had strongly and consistently condemned violence
by parade spectators and, through the use of trained marshals
and close liaison with the police, would continue to do its
utmost to discourage troublemakers from disrupting its events.
The spokesman pointed out that a number of legitimate Orange
Parades in Belfast and elsewhere this summer had been subjected
to orchestrated attacks and abuse by republicans. We
heard nothing from the Parades Commission about these incidents,
and no explanation from the PSNI for their failure to prevent
them. It is not surprising that some believe the Commission
and the police are following London and Dublins political
agenda which is designed to avoid anything that might upset
Sinn Fein/I.R.A. The Orange Order and tens of thousands of
ordinary unionists are being forced to pay the price for this
policy of appeasement.
We urge all unionists to behave with restraint and
avoid falling into any traps. The most effective way of restoring
our rights is not through street violence but via the ballot
box.
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