28 August 1997 Edition
Call for Nationalists to mobilise in Lurgan
Lurgan Sinn Féin representative Bernadette O'Hagan has called on the people of the Six Counties to turn out in support of Lurgan's nationalist rights this Sunday 31 August.
Mrs O'Hagan said, ``The nationalist people of Lurgan have been consistently denied their democratic right by the British government to peacefully march and assemble in their own town centre. We demand equality and justice now in our own town. We seek no more or no less than what has been offered to others living in Lurgan. For far too long Nationalists have been coerced into a second class role. Issues like discrimination, the denial of rights and the denial of equality have been a reality for nationalists living in this statelet.
Sinn Féin is serving notice on those who still think that these outdated practices have a place in our society. Sunday is the opportunity for people to serve that notice. I am calling on both young and old to play their role and to come out in support of these demands. Fundemental changes involving equality and justice are required throughout our country if peace is really to be achieved. In fact, these elements are vital ingredients to the success of any peace process.
``The theme of Sunday's parade is Peace, Justice and Equality. The parade will assemble in Lurgan's Francis Street at 2.30pm and make its way to the town centre where a prominent speaker will address the crowd. It will also feature music and craic in a carnival type atmosphere,'' she said.
Mrs O'Hagan said, ``The nationalist people of Lurgan have been consistently denied their democratic right by the British government to peacefully march and assemble in their own town centre. We demand equality and justice now in our own town. We seek no more or no less than what has been offered to others living in Lurgan. For far too long Nationalists have been coerced into a second class role. Issues like discrimination, the denial of rights and the denial of equality have been a reality for nationalists living in this statelet.
Sinn Féin is serving notice on those who still think that these outdated practices have a place in our society. Sunday is the opportunity for people to serve that notice. I am calling on both young and old to play their role and to come out in support of these demands. Fundemental changes involving equality and justice are required throughout our country if peace is really to be achieved. In fact, these elements are vital ingredients to the success of any peace process.
``The theme of Sunday's parade is Peace, Justice and Equality. The parade will assemble in Lurgan's Francis Street at 2.30pm and make its way to the town centre where a prominent speaker will address the crowd. It will also feature music and craic in a carnival type atmosphere,'' she said.