Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Loyalist Band Competition in Newry causing great unease among local residents

Published: 10 April, 2009

Sinn Féin Assembly member, Mickey Brady has said that a loyalist band competition organised for 17th April in Newry has caused great unease among residents.

Mr. Brady said,

"I have spoken to many residents who are extremely concerned about the prospect of being locked in their homes during this competition again."

"Sinn Féin carried out a survey in the

Belfast Rd.

area of the city regarding a loyalist band competition last year. The results of the survey revealed that 88.9% of residents are opposed to these marches."

"These band competitions have always been hugely contentious in Newry withthe closing down of main roads in the city; ensuring maximum inconvenience, traffic chaos and delays taking place. The flying of UVF Bannerettes and Flags by several Bands is seen as a very deliberate sectarian act, intimidation on the nationalist residents in the area and a direct violation of previous Parades' Commission's determinations."

"The people of this area are entitled to have their voices heard in relation to these matters and the parade organisers need to begin a genuine process of negotiation with the residents"

"We believe that these competitions should be re-routed to an area where they are wanted. It is unfair to impose a parade on an area where there is such a high percentage of people living in homes along the route who do not want it to take place."