PARADES COMMISSION ALLOW THE LOYALIST MARCH OF SHAME!
The Parades Commission have shown a reckless disregard for the human rights, feelings and dignity of the nationalist population of greater Ardoyne. Even after the three days of violence which accompanied the Loyal Orange Order parade in July this year and the associated political policing which facilitated and accompanied it, this Commission has learned nothing.
In the photograph above we can see members of the Shankill Star band, with writing on the drum honouring the UVF gunman Brian Robinson. The Parades Commission has given permission for the band to take part in a march past Ardoyne shops in North Belfast on December 5th 2009 at 8.15am, where Robinson shot dead Catholic man Patrick McKenna.
R.N.U. call upon the loyalist community to reflect on their decision to hold this 'walk past' and respect the local sensitivity associated with this parade. There is absolutely no reason why these bandsmen cannot simply complete their journey by bus. Unfortunately, these loyalists by their actions are making it totally clear that there will be no 'shared future', no 'parity of esteem' and no respect for other communities. All republicans from whatever background should oppose the sectarianism being shown by these marchers. The family of Patrick McKenna and the residents of greater Ardoyne need to be left in peace now and in the future. In essence, this means we call upon all republicans and nationalists to help terminate all parades from places and streets where they are not wanted. R.N.U. support the right of loyalists to march 24/7 in their own areas but we totally oppose their attempts to trample upon the civil rights of nationalists in areas from Ardoyne to the Garvaghy Road.