Orange marches exposed
BBC's Spotlight programme on Tuesday night exposed the bigoted
views of prominent No campaigner and ex-RUC man Stephen
McAllister.
McAllister, an Orangeman and organiser of the Tour of the North
parade, which plans to go through nationalist areas of North
Belfast on 19 June, said it was pointless for Orangemen to march
in Protestant areas only.
North Belfast Sinn Féin representative Gerry Kelly said
McAllister's remarks ``quite clearly reflect what nationalists
have been saying for years, that these parades are sectarian in
nature, triumphalist, and designed to dominate.''
He said, ``Residents in north Belfast will also be alarmed and
extremely concerned at the revelation that the Orange Order has
been informed by the RUC that their planned route in north
Belfast is to be approved.
``The questions now are, have the RUC approved this route? Is it
still the case that the RUC will once again take the decision on
contentious marches in north Belfast? Will the RUC again use
violence to force this march through when there is an alternative
route?
``Nationalists are concerned and deeply suspicious at these
events. If there is a decision then they have the right to know
exactly what that decision is,'' Kelly said.
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