7 July 2000

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Orange Order march in nationalist village tonight

South Antrim Sinn Fein constituency representative Martin Meehan has called for tonight's Orange Order march in the predominantly nationalist village of Crumlin to be called off.

Mr Meehan said:

Supporters of the Orange Order have erected an arch in the village and tonight they intend to formally open this with a public procession. Given that 80 per cent of the population of Crumlin is nationalist, I think that it is safe to conclude that neither the arch nor the parade to open it are wanted by the majority of Crumlin residents.

``The erection of the arch and the proposed opening ceremony can be seen as nothing more than a demonstration in triumphalism designed to heighten tension in the area and intimidate nationalist residents. The Orange Order must on board take the fact that this proposed display is not wanted in Crumlin. In accordance with the wishes of the overwhelming majority of residents, they will do well to ensure that this most unwelcome event does not go ahead.''

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