Mr William Keers Parades Commission 12th Floor Windsor House 9-15 Bedford Street BELFAST BT2 7EL 31 March 2014 Dear Mr Keers GERARD CASEY SINN FEIN CUMANN PARADE, RASHARKIN, SUNDAY 6 APRIL 2014 Thank you for your recent letter inviting representations about the above parade in advance of the Commission making a determination this Wednesday. Yet again, Rasharkin is to be subjected to another coat-trailing event which will glorify terrorism and heighten community tensions. The organisers of this parade are often quick to condemn the holding of traditional Protestant parades in the village, but they seem to have no problem with an event that is neither traditional nor religious. Unlike loyal order parades, this will commemorate the death of a terrorist. As such, it will have a negative impact upon the whole community, and it will bring back painful memories to all those who have suffered or lost loved ones at the hands of terrorists. Every year in Rasharkin, loyal order parades are subject to a series of restrictions. We therefore await the Commission’s determination on this Sunday’s event with some interest. In the interests of community relations, and out of respect for victims and their families, I urge the Commission to ensure that this proposed event on Sunday is not permitted to take place. Yours sincerely Councillor John Finlay
Posted on: Tue, 08 Apr 2014 15:56:07 +0000