UKIP’s Northern Ireland leader David McNarry MLA has expressed disappointment at the recent parades commission determination in relation to the annual Red Hand Defenders band parade in Downpatrick.
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Strangford UKIP MLA David McNarry pictured in his constituency office in Saintfield is angry at a Parade Commission’s determination.[/caption]
By coincidence the date for the bands annual parade falls on Monday 4 August 2014, the centenary of the outbreak of the First world War. The band was hoping all attending bands would be allowed to proceed to the war memorial to lay wreaths and pay their respects. However the parades commission has imposed restrictions that only the host band can proceed to the war memorial.
Mr McNarry said: “It is disappointing at a time when the bands annual parade coincidentally falls on the centenary of the First World War that the parades commission is unable to recognise the wish of the organisers and visiting bands to commemorate this solemn event with dignity. This determination is grossly unfair and indicative of the Parades Commission’s inability to recognise the local culture
The determination has also been criticised by the parties Down District spokesperson Alan Lewis.
Mr Lewis added: “This determination reaffirms there is no shared space or shared future in Downpatrick, and it is also my understanding the PSNI seemed happy to facilitate the bands request.
“I must ask who are the parades commission pandering to in this determination? I intend to meet with the new Down Area Commander to discuss a number of local issues, and I can assure you the annual Red Hand Defenders parade will be high on the agenda.”
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