9 September 1999 Edition

Resize: A A A Print

Unionist `Long March II'

THE second phase of the so-called Protestant civil rights parade, dubbed `The Long March', is to take place on 25 September. The theme this time is ``No terrorists in government.''

Mark I, in June, sought to highlight, ``the intimidation and bigotry against the Protestant community'' but was acually designed to raise tension in the build-up to Drumcree, asserting unionist and loyalist supremacy by marching through sensitive areas such as Greysteel and Ballymoney.

The second phase of the march is set to start at Sandy Row Orange Lodge and continue through Belfast city centre, concluding in the grounds of Stormont, where a rally is to be held.

The march will, as with previous Orange marches, create maximum disruption, taking place directly through Belfast city centre on a Saturday afternoon. One organiser said: ``A huge crowd is expected, especially as it is starting on a Saturday in the centre of Belfast. It will pass through many unionist areas of Belfast so a lot of support would be expected.''

The Parades Commission has received notification of the march but is not expected to make any route restrictions as it does not pass through any ``contentious areas''.

An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
Dublin 1
Ireland