Eirigi: ‘Loyalist parade go-ahead defies logic’
A spokesman for republican group Eirigi has described the Parades Commission’s determination as one that ‘defies logic’. Newry Eirigi member Stephen Murney was speaking after the Parades Commission upheld a determination which allows a controversial loyalist parade – with up to 40 bands – march through Armagh just hours after the last St. Patrick’s Day parade ends in Armagh City.
Newry Times has reported extensively over the past number of weeks how tension was mounting over the parade and how Quincey Dougan – the organiser of the band – insisted all the necessary safety precautions had been taken ahead of the parade.
This however, mattered little to Eirigi, who said the organisers should rethink their plans. Murney said, “This decision to allow this march to go ahead defies logic. The people of Armagh don’t want this parade to take place. The Parades Commission and the PSNI have a lot to answer for, it’s also clear that the Parades Commission haven’t considered the negative impact this parade will have on the community in Armagh.”
He added, “We hope there is no violence and we recognise the right for everyone to live free from sectarian harassment and intimidation. The organisers of the parade should seriously rethink their plans.”
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