Not getting it all our own way

Editorial Department • Published 5 Aug 2010 16:00 0 Comments

Share this

Dear Sir, - In reply to Newtownbutler Resident who had a letter in this paper last week entitled 'Rights or Residents v Right to Parade'. I believe the letter to be misguided as it seeks to state that it is Republicans paying the price.

The letter says the voices of residents are falling on deaf ears. The fact is the majority of residents in the town never hear or see the parade and aren't affected by it. Sadly they can't open their mouths for fear of dissidents in the area.

This parade always took place annually each year, it used to go from the Orange Hall on Main Street and out the Crom road to a field where sporting events, barbecues and other games took place, then all bands paraded back to the Orange Hall on Main Street. Sadly this parade was done away with due to protests and violence in the town in the 1990s. The parade in recent years has started again but not how we like it. Bands longer get to parade Main Street. The parade the past few years has been limited to Crom Road.

Some people seem to think we are getting it all our own way. When really we are being restricted, the band has made offers on the parading issue that have never been highlighted in papers. The band offered to change the route of the parade but it was rejected by Republicans along with a number of other proposals. Talking of routes, some in recent weeks have made comments saying the town is closed down for this parade, when only the Crom Road which is a small off-road is closed to the parade. In which case diversions are easily in place for anyone seeking to travel out that road. On the other hand Republicans block the Main Street, which is of course the major road in the town.

I believe the Police and Parades Commission will once again have taken note of the parade in Newtownbutler and seen that the bands and supporters were exceptional in their behaviour, standard and following of restrictions. I also hope they took note of protesters who had more numbers then was allowed, who weren't 30 meters away and who continually refuse to accept offers or seek a peaceful respectful settlement to the parading issue.

Restricted People

Editor's note:

Correspondence on this issue is

now closed.

This letter appeared in Impartial Reporter 05 Aug 10

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Opinion archives.