Orange Order plan for peaceful parades at St Patrick’s Church but still no talks on ‘Tour of North’

» John Hedges

An Phoblacht Editor

'Today’s statement by the Orange Order speaks of goodwill and of building a platform, so the next logical step is immediate dialogue with residents' – Gerry Kelly

TODAY’S Orange Order ‘comprehensive template’ for peaceful parading has been overshadowed by the refusal of the organisers of the ‘Tour of the North’ in north Belfast to talk to local residents.

North Belfast Assembly member Gerry Kelly says he shares the Orange Order’s hopes that the marching season will be peaceful but is disappointed at the failure to talk to residents in north Belfast.

The Orange Order’s “comprehensive template”, published by the County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast, refers specifically to parades passing St Patrick’s Catholic Church in north Belfast, the scene of sectarian provocations by unionist bands and marchers with previous Orange Order parades.

The Order expresses the wish “to celebrate and commemorate our history peaceably and traditionally; we do not seek violence, indeed violence has no place in today’s society”.

The Orange Order says it does not subscribe to the view that violence is inevitable this year. “People have choices,” it says, adding:

“In an effort not to give succour or excuses to the enemies of democracy, we present this comprehensive template as a sign of goodwill and a platform on which to build. We all have a responsibility to work at addressing our local difficulties.”

Referring to the now-infamous display by the loyalist Young Conway Volunteers (YCV) band when they stopped and marched in circles outside St Patrick's Church on Donegall Street last July to play the notorious, anti-Catholic Famine Song (played to the same tune as the Beach Boys’ The Sloop John B), the Orange Order says:

“In order to assist in creating an atmosphere of mutual respect, this template seeks to further address the issue of respect as identified by the clergy and parishioners of St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Chapel, Donegall Street, following the incident there on 12 July 2012.

“This template builds on actions already taken and the full explanation and unequivocal apology from the band concerned regarding that incident. It has come about following lengthy conversations with our partners in the Belfast Parades Forum and wide consultation internally and externally with community groups, bands, PSNI, politicians and clergy.”

It says that, during all parades:

• No part of any parade will stop outside St Patrick’s;
• Those accompanying the parade will walk on one side of the street;
• Support all attempts to thwart on-street drinking;
• Any funeral, wedding or regular church service will be facilitated;
• Monitors will be present.

The Orange Order statement ends by saying “the Protestant, unionist, loyalist people do not want trouble” and “this comprehensive template is provided in a genuine attempt to ensure there will be no surprises this summer and we can all contribute to the peace, stability and economic success of the city”.

Sinn Féin meets Parades Commission

The Orange Order proposal came as Sinn Féin was meeting the Parades Commission in Belfast on Tuesday morning to discuss concerns over the ‘Tour of the North’.

Speaking afterwards, local Assembly member Gerry Kelly (right) said he shares the Orange Order’s hopes that the marching season will be peaceful but is disappointed at the refusal to talk to residents in north Belfast.

“This plays directly into the hands of those who seek to undermine our peace and political process,” Gerry Kelly said.

“Sinn Fein is convinced that the only way to resolve the small number of contentious parades which have the potential to destabilise local communities is to have a process of dialogue between the loyal orders and local residents. Engagement can also contribute to building relationships at a personal level and developing mutual respect.”

He highlighted the fact that, last year, the Orange Order said that local lodges were free to enter into dialogue with local communities. This happened in Crumlin last July with an agreed outcome as a result but that has not been replicated anywhere else.

“Today’s statement by the Orange Order speaks of goodwill and of building a platform,” the MLA said, “so the next logical step is immediate dialogue with residents.”

He added that Sinn Féin is calling for a peaceful summer and for calm in the coming weeks and months of the marching season.

“There is nothing to be gained by anyone through violence on our streets this summer.”