Republican News · Thursday 28 May 1998

[An Phoblacht]

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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