7 April 2001

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Parades Commission ruling on Ormeau Road Apprentice Boys march `incomprehensible'

Sinn Fein Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin MLA said that Sinn Fein finds the decision to allow the Apprentice Boys to march down the Lower Ormeau Road on Easter Monday ``incomprehensible''.

Speaking at the meeting of the Sinn Fein Ard Chomhairle in Dublin today [Saturday], Mr McLaughlin said:

``The residents do not want this march to go down their road and it should not be forced down their road against their wishes.

``We have always encouraged a process of dialogue and we find the decision of the Parades Commission in relation to the Lower Ormeau Road on the basis of there having been `sustained and meaningful dialogue' is incomprehensible because there has been no dialogue between the residents and the Apprentice Boys since February of last year.

``Those who want to march in areas where they are not welcome are obliged, under the human rights legislation to enter meaningful dialogue wit the community on which they want to impose themselves.''

Mr McLaughlin said that he welcomed news that the residents were considering legal action to overturn the ruling.

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