Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín TD and Deputy Leader Gemma Brolly have criticised the Parades Commission’s decision to approve a march by Portadown District LOL 1 down the Garvaghy Road, in clear opposition to those who live there.
An Teachta Tóibín stated:
“I have spoken to families on the Garvaghy Rd today. Mothers are in tears, in real fear for safety of their children. The community is devastated and terrified. At the height of the Drumcree Parade in the 90s, 21 innocent people lost their lives. It is beyond believe that this nightmare is about to revisit the residents. We understand that the residents are looking to go to court to get an injunction against this march. Aontú has contacted the office of the Taoiseach urging the Taoiseach to use his influence to stop this march. It is really important that the Taoiseach and the British Prime minster understand just how destabilising this is for community relations. Anyone who understands the history of the Troubles will know the role played by Orange marches in stetting the fuse that led to so much bloodshed.
Speaking today, Aontú Deputy Leader and East Derry rep said:
The Commission were bounced into this determination following its own procedural shortcomings, which resulted in the quashing of a previous determination. This parade is not wanted by the residents of the Garvaghy Road, and there are now clear implications for public safety.
Despite approving 35 members of the lodge walking the Garvaghy Road route, this has sent a signal to the Orange Order, and others, that we are back to the late 1990s when their members were acquiesced by political Unionism and the British government to push a contentious march down the road.
We are clear that despite our anger at this decision, which we don’t believe has been made for any other reason than to placate those determined to undermine the Commission, there should be no violence in relation to the parade anywhere on this island. Violence would only embolden those who have used this issue to create division to continue to do the same in other areas.
We will continue to support the residents of the Garvaghy Road who have been sacrificed to the whims of unionism and those who want to ride roughshod over residents in Portadown and across the North, and we will be seeking to engage with the Secretary of State as a matter of urgency.”
