North and West Belfast Ulster Unionist representatives have condemned the latest decision by the Parades Commission to prohibit two local lodges from walking along a stretch of the Springfield Road on the Twelfth morning, as another reward for intransigence.
Newtownabbey Councillor Robert Foster said:
“As a member of West Belfast LOL 739 I must express my deep frustration at the Parades Commission’s ruling to prevent the Lodge and Whiterock LOL 974 making their way along the Springfield Road on the Twelfth, and requiring them to pass through the Mackies’ site, instead of the Workman Avenue gates further along the Springfield Road.
“This is a completely unfair decision which is rewarding intransigence and does nothing to promote good relations or a shared future. It is particularly unfair given that the parade has abided by all previous determinations, whilst protestors have not.”
The Ulster Unionist Party representative for the Greater Shankill, David Anderson said:
“Once again the Parades Commission has demonstrated its complete inability to deliver a ruling that is fair and unbiased. This is the latest in a long line of rulings which has brought nothing but exasperation.
“The Commission’s default position appears to be one of whatever republicans want, republicans get. We have no confidence in this body, which has become part of the problem, not part of the solution.”