Ulster Unionist MLA Robin Swann has expressed his bitter disappointment at the High Court decision to uphold a Parades Commission ruling that a loyalist band parade in Rasharkin tonight (Friday), should be restricted to 25 bands.
The North Antrim MLA said:
“The Court’s decision to uphold the Parades Commission’s ruling to limit the parade to the irrational number of 25 bands is a further attack on the marching band tradition in Northern Ireland, and a blow for the members of Ballymaconnelly Band in particular."
"I also note that the Rasharkin Residents Collective are asking on their Facebook site for individuals to bring their "hurls" to Rasharkin tonight to take part in their community event. This does not bode well and the Parades Commission would do well to remember this in future determinations regarding parades in the local area. "
"I hope and pray everything passes off peacefully, and those who were intent on heightening tension in their area take a step back and take responsibility for their actions. The minority Protestant and Unionist community in Rasharkin has been on the receiving end of a sustained attempt to remove them from the village. One wonders at the commitment of local republicans to share the future when they are unwilling to share the present.”
ENDS