Parades Commission stand firm on homecoming decision
News Letter
30 October 2008
THERE will be no review of the Parades Commission decision to hold either the Royal Irish Regiment homecoming parade nor related protests, the body has confirmed.
The organisation has said there are “not sufficient grounds” for a review - and has called on anyone coming into Belfast on Sunday to “respect the city and its population”.
Speaking earlier, the body’s chairman Roger Poole said: “We have been asked to review our decisions, but in fact there are very narrow grounds upon which we can review decisions and in this instance the Commission did not deem that there were sufficient grounds for a review.
“We would ask that those who intend to come to the city on Sunday review their own positions and redouble their efforts to take tension out of this issue in advance of the parade.
“Belfast deserves a peaceful weekend and the citizens and traders in the city are entitled to a trouble free day. Anyone intent of causing or contributing to civil unrest should stay away.”
Mr Poole said that it was “not helpful” that various political and community leaders were continuing to call for either the homecoming parade or the legally notified protest, to be banned.
“Now is the time for an effort to be made to reduce rather than heighten tension around this parade and protest,” he continued.
“There is an onus on those political and community leaders in a position of influence to demonstrate leadership between now and Sunday through their words, their actions and their commitment to non violent actions.”
'So venceremos, beidh bua againn eigin lá eigin. Sealadaigh abú.'
--Bobby Sands