Please share our statement as widely as possible; SOUTH BELFAST ULSTER POLITICAL RESEARCH GROUP STATEMENT South Belfast Ulster Political Research Group welcomes the joint statement from the main Unionist parties, the PUP and our colleagues in West Belfast UPRG. It is a detailed and analytical statement that advocates a proportionate, considered response to the irrational decision from the Parades Commission to deny the return journey of the Orange Order parade to go past the Ardoyne shops on the Twelfth of July 2014. We have long since advocated a co-operative approach from the broad Unionist family to dealing with the issues surrounding so called contentious parades. We pointed out in our Remembrance Day speech of 2013 the 2300% increase in contentious parades since 2001 and queried the rationale behind this seeming contention. There has never been an adequate explanation from Republicanism as to why parades and parading have become such a divisive issue. Presumably post the Good Friday Agreement parades have become the bête noire (literally “black beast”) and something to be challenged at all costs. This attempted diminution of cultural rights may seem like a quaint little game to both Republicans and the strangely out of step Parades Commission but it is something that we hold dear to our hearts, minds and essence. It is in fact intrinsically in our nature to celebrate our culture in this way. Perhaps it is simply this fact that galls our foes to frustration. We note that a concerted campaign of reasonable peaceful protest and campaigning will take place. We fully endorse such a plan. Previous attempts at highlighting this inequality caused unnecessary schisms and diversions. With a clear mind and a progressive path we must ensure that all protests and campaigns steer well within the boundaries of legality and garner maximum public support. The cause is a just one and will surely succeed if carried through and carried together. The decision to suspend all talks with the Parades Commission is clearly the right course to take. We ourselves have had varied success with this Commission at a local level and have become frustrated at their over zealous and illogical approach to parading issues. Once again we re-iterate that all protests and gatherings must be law abiding and peaceful. The battle for our culture and our rights must not be sacrificed and derailed because of violence and lawlessness. We do not wish to see our young people arrested and jailed but we do want to see them fully involved and supportive of this cause. We will keep all members and supporters fully informed during the coming days, weeks and months and feel confident that a collective approach to this long standing issue will bear fruit in time. Paul Clissold General Secretary South Belfast UPRG
Posted on: Fri, 04 Jul 2014 10:22:25 +0000
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