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

McCreesh raised concerns of residents following loyalist band parade

Published: 16 May, 2009

Sinn Féin Fews councillor Jimmy Mc Creesh has expressed concern over a loyalist band parade that occurred in Newtownhamilton on Friday 8th May.

The long standing community activist revealed that he had been contacted by worried residents who raised concerns over the excessive and provocative nature of the parade. Mc Creesh divulged that he had been informed by outraged constituents that up to 21 loyalist bands from across the 6 counties had participated in the event.

Mc Creesh added that many residents were incensed by the decision of the PSNI to facilitate this inflammatory and sectarian exercise. He noted that the attitude of those PSNI members policing the event had also been called into question by local residents.

"It is the belief of residents, that those PSNI personnel involved must be made accountable for their shortcomings to the residents of Newtownhamilton. The days of sectarian policing to further an Orange Order agenda are over.

Mc Creesh commented

"The residents of this town are under no illusion; this was an exercise of unadulterated triumphalism, nothing more than a self satisfying coat trailing exercise. There can be no justification whatsoever for these bands invading a small town in such numbers. They virtually laid siege to the town, causing wide spread disruption. These sectarian bands wreaked chaos for those living in Blayney Hill and the Armagh Road. In no way did they attempt to communicate or consult with local residents."

Mc Creesh noted that whilst he understood and respected the rights of all traditions to express their culture, this latest incident was a great affront to local residents. He added that the responsibility for preventing a repeat of such scenes lies with Unionist representatives.

"It will be interesting to note the reaction of Unionist politicians to this latest incident. These are the same intolerant, individuals who cried foul over proposals to play the Irish National Anthem at a recent sporting event in Newry. They are also pretty quick to deride republican commemorations time after time, yet they have not seen fit to comment on parades of this nature. If these individuals are serious about accommodating all cultures and creeds surly they must condemn this latest sectarian showpiece" Mc Creesh concluded