The Ulster Unionist Party’s Mark Cosgrove has expressed the Party’s disappointment at the Parades Commission’s decision not to amend its Determination on Friday’s proposed “Tour of the North” Parade.
Councillor Cosgrove said:
“The Ulster Unionist Party is extremely disappointed at the Commission’s decision taken on Wednesday to endorse its original determination on the Tour of the North.
Following my request that the Commission review the original Determination, I received a letter from the Parades Commission dated 19 June.
It said “After considering the review request received yesterday 18 June 2013, the Commission was of the opinion that this represented some fresh information that had not been fully considered by the Commission prior to their original decision” and invited me to make representations on Wednesday, which I did.
On Wednesday evening I received a letter from the Parades Commission which informed me that “after considering your review request and the further information received today, Wednesday 19 June2013, the Commission was of the opinion that all substantive and material points had been fully considered by the Commission prior to their original decision.”
“The Commission has decided not to adjust its final decision taken on Friday 14 June2013 and it therefore remains in effect.”
Having received an extremely fair and courteous hearing I am extremely disappointed and frustrated with this decision and fail to understand how what was described as “fresh information” was 24 hours later deemed to have been covered at the original meeting.
Considering most of my evidence was new this seems utterly bizarre. The Ulster Unionist Party accepts that the Commissions job is not easy, but having given evidence for nearly 4 hours over 2 days and for the Parade to be still subject to three separate restrictions only further enhances the negativity with which the Commission is regarded by many in the broad Unionist community.
The Ulster Unionist Party is into bridge building and problem solving as we strive as always to put Northern Ireland first. This determination will not change those core principles but it will undoubtedly create further difficulties for all of us who seek tolerance and mutual understanding for the right to parade in a peaceful and dignified manner as well as fully respecting the fundamental British right to protest.
I know the Unionist Community is hurt and angry at the ruling, specifically the fact that the initiative announced by the Orange Order after many months of painstaking work by the broad parading community and elected representatives. This has been dismissed by today’s ruling but I would appeal for everyone involved in Friday’s parade to conduct themselves in a dignified and peaceful manner and that Loyal Orders, Bands, Supporters, Protesters and Police, return home on Friday night safe and sound to their families and loved ones.”