Body’s ruling on Whiterock march is final
By Chris Thornton
22 June 2006
The Parades Commission last night rejected nationalist calls for a review of its Whiterock march ruling.
The Commission said no new evidence had emerged to make it change its decision to allow a limited Orange parade on the Springfield Road in West Belfast on Saturday.
Nationalists say the Commission has rewarded Orangemen for the violence that broke out when the parade was rerouted last year.
The Commission denied the accusation, and appealed for calm.
Fifty Orangemen have been cleared to cross the peaceline at Workman Avenue, while a further 700 marchers, including 16 bands, will go along last year’s route, through the Mackie’s site further down the road.
Other restrictions have been imposed, including which flags can be carried and where music can be played.
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams accused the Commission of effectively authorising two parades.
Orangemen object to the decision, saying the entire march should be allowed through the Workman Avenue gate.
A spokesman for the Commission said last night: “All of the evidence presented was taken on board as part of the original consideration of this parade. We have decided, therefore, not to review our decision.”
