‘No dispute’ as loyalists march

Sinn Féin have lambasted the Parades Commission for failing to place restrictions on a massive late night loyalist band parade north of Belfast.

The Pride of the Hill Carnmoney Flute Band along with 50 other bands and 2,500 supporters took part in a two-hour march around Glengormley last night.

The parade, which turns the village into a “no-go” area for nationalists, is not due to finish until 10pm.

The Parades Commission did not put restrictions on the demonstration because it was not deemed contentious.

However, this ruling has been rejected by local Sinn Féin councillor Briege Meehan who pointed out that previous loyalist parades in Glengormley have been the catalyst for sectarian violence.

She said: “The sole intention of this parade is to intimidate nationalists in what, for most of the year, is a peaceful community.”

Ms Meehan said she was shocked by the Parades Commission’s description of it as ‘non-contentious’.

“The sole intention of this parade is to intimidate nationalists in what, for most of the year, is a peaceful community.”

* The Loyalist Volunteer Force has been blamed for an arson attack on a Belfast cab company that was targeted recently in a paramilitary gun attack.

During the early hours of Monday morning, flammable liquid was poured through the roof of Sunningdale Taxis on the Ballysillan Road in north Belfast and set alight. Scorch damage was caused to the side of the building.

The attack threatens to re-ignite a loyalist taxi war that raged in Belfast at the beginning of the year.

Urgent Appeal