March decisions not a surprise

A planned march by the unionist Apprentice Boys organisation along the predominately nationalist Lower Ormeau Road in Belfast on Monday has been banned.

Earlier this month, the Belfast Walker Club was informed by the Parades Commission that once again, its Easter Monday Apprentice Boys parade has been banned.

The Lower Ormeau Concerned Community has welcomed the Parades Commission's ruling.

Although banned from the Lower Ormeau Road, the Apprentice Boys have been permitted to pass in front of the Ardoyne shops in north Belfast early on Easter Monday morning.

Meanwhile, the nationalist residents of Dunloy in County Antrim have welcomed a decision by the Parades Commission not to allow the Protestant Orange Order to march through the village on Easter Sunday

The Commission ruled that should the parade process the entirety of its notified route, there would be an adverse effect on community relations and a potential for public disorder.

The ruling also stated that the Orange Order had fallen short of meaningful engagement with the community.

Instead the march will follow a restricted route as far as the perimeter fence of the Orange Lodge.

Meanwhile, an Orange Order ``cultural awareness programme'' directed at nationalist residents who live along the route of a contentious parade in County Antrim has been described by Sinn Féin as ``a hollow exercise''.

Urgent Appeal